Georgia could take an unconventional path toward ending the twice-yearly clock change—by effectively moving itself into a different time zone.
In an interview, State Senator Bo Hatchett explained a new legislative effort that would allow Georgia to observe the equivalent of daylight saving time year-round, even if Congress remains deadlocked on the issue.
A Workaround to Federal Gridlock
For years, states like Georgia have been waiting on Congress to approve permanent daylight saving time. While more than 20 states—including Georgia—have passed laws expressing their intent to make the switch, federal law still requires congressional approval before states can adopt daylight time year-round.
Congress has come close. The Sunshine Protection Act passed the U.S. Senate in 2022 and the U.S. House in 2024, but neither chamber completed final passage, leaving the effort stalled in Washington.
“That’s why we’re looking at another tool,” Hatchett said.
Moving to Atlantic Time
Instead of waiting on Congress, the proposed legislation would allow Georgia’s governor to petition the U.S. Department of Transportation to shift the state from the Eastern Time Zone to the Atlantic Time Zone.
Here’s why that matters:
- Atlantic Standard Time is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time
- During daylight saving months, Georgia already operates on the same clock as Atlantic Standard Time
- By switching time zones and observing standard time year-round, Georgia would effectively remain on what residents know as daylight time
In practical terms, clocks wouldn’t change from what people experience today during daylight saving months—but they would stop “falling back” in November.
A High Bar for Approval
The move would require approval from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, who evaluates such requests under what’s known as the “convenience of commerce” standard.
Hatchett acknowledged that Georgia likely wouldn’t succeed alone.
“I don’t think the Secretary of Transportation would be able to grant this unless and until our neighboring states also petition,” he said.
That’s why lawmakers are already coordinating with nearby states:
- Florida leaders have expressed interest in similar legislation
- South Carolina lawmakers are also considering action
- Broader regional participation could strengthen Georgia’s case
What Happens Next
Before any federal petition can be made, the proposal must still pass through the Georgia House and be signed by the governor.
If approved, the bill would give the governor until December 31, 2026, to formally petition the federal government.
Hatchett said early conversations in the House have been encouraging, with no significant opposition reported so far.
Why Lawmakers Are Pushing the Change
Beyond convenience, supporters point to growing concerns about the health impacts of switching clocks twice a year.
“I think the majority of Georgians do not like our current system,” Hatchett said, noting widespread constituent support for staying on daylight time permanently.
The issue has drawn bipartisan backing in the Georgia Senate, where the effort has been described as overwhelmingly supported.
A Long Shot—But a Strategic One
Hatchett acknowledged the odds of success may be slim without broader regional support, but said the effort is about more than just one proposal.
“This is just another tool we have… to keep the conversation going,” he said.
If successful, Georgia could become one of the first states to effectively adopt permanent daylight time—without waiting on Congress—by simply redefining what time zone it calls home.
