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NewsWFLA News TampaAugust 3, 2026Hillsborough

Sunshine for Our Kids Act of 2026 proposes permanent standard time in the U.S.

The proposed 'Sunshine for Our Kids Act of 2026' would establish permanent standard time across the United States, replacing the current practice of switching between daylight saving and standard time. If enacted, this change would cause summer sunsets to occur an hour earlier than they currently do, with many locations seeing sunsets before 8 p.m.

timekeepingdaylight saving timestandard timelegislationpublic health
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Why It Matters

This legislation would permanently alter daily schedules and sunlight exposure for all residents by shifting the timing of sunrises and sunsets throughout the year.

Key Facts

  • The 'Sunshine for Our Kids Act of 2026' would mandate permanent standard time nationwide.
  • Under permanent standard time, summer sunsets would occur one hour earlier than they do under current daylight saving time.
  • In most U.S. cities, the latest summer sunset would shift from the 8 or 9 o'clock hour to the 7 o'clock hour.
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan, would have the latest sunset in the Lower 48 states at 8:26 p.m. under the proposal.
  • Juneau, Alaska, would have the latest sunset in the U.S. at 10:43 p.m. under the proposal.
  • Some regions would experience sunrises before 5 a.m. during summer months.
  • The bill currently has nearly a dozen cosponsors as of late July.
  • The Sunshine Protection Act, a competing bill, has already passed the House and would make daylight saving time permanent instead.
  • Congress is also considering bills that would allow states to choose their own time observation methods.

Who's Mentioned

locationJuneau, Alaska“City identified as having the latest summer sunset under the proposed change.”locationGrand Rapids, Michigan“City identified as having the latest summer sunset in the Lower 48 states under ”other34“Number of cities analyzed by Nexstar for sunset time changes.”