Are We There Yet? A Look at Upcoming Changes to Daylight Saving Time 2024

The twice-yearly ritual of changing the clocks for Daylight Saving Time is almost upon us once more. On March 10, 2024, most of the United States will set their clocks forward one hour as we transition to Daylight Saving Time 2024. While many view this as a minor seasonal inconvenience, others see the practice itself as outdated and want significant reforms—or even a complete abolition—of the time change.

Proponents of establishing a permanent time argue that the biannual time change is disruptive and can negatively impact public health and safety. Studies have linked the spring time change in particular with increased risk of heart attacks, traffic accidents and other issues in the days following. There is also no consensus on whether to adopt permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time on a year-round basis.

Potential for Permanent Change?

In 2022, the Senate unanimously approved the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent nationwide. However, the bill stalled in the House amid concerns about its economic and geographical implications. With midterm elections approaching, it remains to be seen if lawmakers will find the political will to tackle Daylight Saving Time reforms in 2023. Public support for eliminating the time change also appears to be growing.

For now, the Daylight Saving Time 2024 will go ahead as planned. But the ongoing debate underscores that Daylight Saving Time in its current form may not be around forever. Stay tuned for potential developments on this issue in the coming years.