Most of the United States changes the clock twice a year—springing forward in March and falling back in November. But some states are either trying to avoid this or have already stopped the time change altogether.
California is one of the states that has talked about ending Daylight Saving Time (DST), and there’s another state that already made it official.
So, what’s the reason behind California’s move, and which other state doesn’t do DST either? Let’s break it down simply.
What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time is when we move the clocks one hour ahead in spring and back one hour in fall. The idea is to get more daylight during the evening hours. But many people argue that this practice:
Disrupts sleep schedules
Affects health and productivity
Feels outdated in today’s world
What Did California Decide?
Back in 2018, California voters passed Proposition 7, which supported ending the clock changes and sticking to one time permanently. A big 60% majority voted “yes.”
But here’s the catch:
Even though Californians voted for it, the state still hasn’t made the change. Why?
Here’s the Very Simple Reason: Federal Approval Is Needed
California can’t stop Daylight Saving Time on its own. Here’s why:
Federal law only allows two time options:
Stay on Standard Time year-round (like Arizona)
Switch between Standard and Daylight Saving (the current system)
If California wants to stay on Daylight Saving Time permanently, it needs approval from the U.S. Congress. And that hasn’t happened yet.
So, even though the people voted for it, the federal government has the final say.
Which State Already Opted Out of DST?
Arizona is the best-known example of a state that does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Since 1968, Arizona has stayed on Standard Time all year long.
Why Arizona doesn’t do DST:
The state gets extremely hot in the summer.
More daylight in the evening means more heat—something Arizonans don’t want.
It makes more sense for their climate to avoid DST completely.
Hawaii is another state that also doesn’t follow DST.
Are Other States Trying to End DST Too?
Yes! Many other states have passed laws or bills to stay on Daylight Saving Time permanently, including:
Florida
Washington
Oregon
Texas
But like California, they’re also waiting on Congress to give permission.
Why Do People Want to Get Rid of Daylight Saving Time?
Here are some of the most common reasons:
It messes with sleep and mental health.
Kids go to school in the dark in winter.
The change can cause more traffic accidents and heart problems.
It doesn’t save as much energy as it used to.
In short, many people just find it annoying and unnecessary.
So, why doesn’t California stop Daylight Saving Time? The answer is simple: they need permission from the federal government to stay on DST permanently. Even though voters approved it, the clock keeps changing until Congress gives the green light.
Meanwhile, states like Arizona and Hawaii already stay on one time year-round—because they chose to stick with Standard Time, which is allowed under current law.
SOURCES
- (https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/daylight-savings-time-by-state)
- (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/09/08/when-daylight-saving-time-2025/85821111007/)
- (https://www.timeanddate.com/time/change/usa)
