Bill Text: VA HJR541 | 2021 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Daylight saving time; Secretary of Commerce and Trade to study the effects on the Commonwealth.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-02-05 - Left in Rules [HJR541 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2021-HJR541-Prefiled.html
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth has fully participated in the observance of daylight saving time by turning clocks forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall since 1967, with the implementation of the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. §260 et seq.); and
WHEREAS, the overwhelming conclusion of researchers is that the act of changing the clocks twice per year directly results in an increase in heart attacks, traffic accidents, workplace injuries, pedestrian deaths, crime, and sleep disruption as well as a loss of productivity; and
WHEREAS, research suggests an association between the biannual clock change and seasonal affective disorder, strokes, and cardiac arrest; and
WHEREAS, researchers have determined that remaining in daylight saving time year-round will save significant amounts of energy in November and February and will lead to a decrease in childhood obesity by increasing the amount of sunlight after school hours; and
WHEREAS, 13 states have enacted legislation to provide for a year-round daylight saving time if allowed to do so by Congress; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Secretary of Commerce and Trade be requested to study the effects of daylight saving time on the Commonwealth.
In conducting his study, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall (i) review the effect of the Commonwealth's continued participation under the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. §260 et seq.), (ii) determine the potential consequences of a decision to use standard time year-round in the Commonwealth, (iii) determine the potential consequences of a decision to use daylight saving time year-round in the Commonwealth, and (iv) review other related issues and make recommendations as appropriate.
All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade for this study, upon request.
The Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall complete his meetings by November 30, 2021, and shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of his findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the 2022 Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.
