Illinois Senate Passes Bill Making Daylight Saving Time Permanent

The Illinois Senate Tuesday approved legislation sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) aimed at making daylight saving time the year-round standard in Illinois.

The inspiration for Senate Bill 533 came from a group of students from Carlinville High School, who presented the idea to Senator Manar as part of a civics class project.

“It was a well-thought-out proposal that I felt deserved consideration in Springfield. Given the loss of productivity caused by the arbitrary daylight saving time change, and the various health and safety concerns that are supported by research, this proposal makes a lot of sense,” Manar said. “What’s most important is that this group is an example of how young people can step up and engage their elected officials to enact changes they want to see in government.”

In May, the students presented their research before the Senate State Government Committee, which approved SB 533 unanimously.

When daylight saving time is in effect, the sun rises and sets one hour later than it normally would. Business interests have long supported the practice of moving clocks ahead by an hour because consumers are more likely to shop before the sun sets.

(MANAR)