Briese bill would eliminate falling back

Nebraskans may not have to remember to set clocks back one hour in the fall, if LB283 passes through the legislature.

On Feb. 3, the Government Committee held a hearing on the bill, which is an updated version of last year's LB1015, which stalled in committee. More than one-third of the legislature co-sponsored the bill.

"It seems everyone in the state hates the idea in having to change their clocks twice a year and I really do mean everyone," Briese said during the hearing.

LB283 would move the Cornhusker state to year-round daylight saving time.

In order for the bill to become law, the federal government would need to approve a law allowing states to make the move, according to Briese.

In 2021, two acts have been introduced in the the nation's capitol, including the Sunshine Protection Act, or H.R. 69, introduced by Florida representative Vern Buchanan, which would make daylight saving time permanent. Any state with areas exempt from daylight saving time will be able to choose standard time for those areas.

The second bill, H.R. 214, introduced by Utah representative Chris Stewart, would give states the authority to decide to stay in DST or continue to switch.

Another stipulation of Briese's proposed legislation would require three of the six states bordering Nebraska to pass similar legislation.

Briese said a year ago, seven states passed similar bills. This year, 13 have approved year-long daylight saving laws.

Wyoming's governing body passed a similar law last year.

South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado currently have active legislation.

Briese told committee members the practice of falling back and springing ahead is injuring and, in some instances, killing people.

He cited studies reporting the time change leads to an increase in car accidents, heart attacks and other injuries.

No formal opposition was heard at last Wednesday's hearing.

A lobbyist for the Nebraska Golf Alliance said he planned to oppose the bill. After hearing testimony, Joe Kahout changed his mind.

He asked committee members, "What impact does this have on rounds in that time frame? Because in some cases, 70% of our revenues are coming in from that period of time in those months."