East Central Reporter

State Representative Brad Halbrook presented his bill, HB 1400, for a subject matter hearing in the House State Government Administration Committee. The bill aims to amend the Time Standardization Act to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in Illinois.

Currently, Illinois operates on two time standards – Central Standard Time (CST) and Central Daylight Time (CDT). CST is from the first Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March, commonly known as the "fall back" period. CDT runs from the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November, known for the "spring ahead" period. The primary difference between the two standards is the timing of sunrise and sunset.

Rep. Halbrook, while neutral between CST and CDT, mentioned that many people support ending the bi-annual clock change, acknowledging the potential benefits of permanent Daylight Saving Time. "Year in and year out we do the same ritual of changing the clocks in March and November and each time we deal with the same consequences of lost sleep, increased accidents, and see a decline in public health and productivity," said Halbrook. "My bill works to implement the commonsense solution here, which is to switch to permanent Central Daylight Saving Time and eliminate the outdated change."

Currently, federal law requires states to obtain congressional approval to change time standards. By passing HB 1400, Illinois aims to be ready if a federal opportunity arises.

HB 1400 is slated for a committee vote, and more information can be found at ilga.gov. Additionally, Halbrook has introduced House Resolution 128, urging Congress to enact permanent Daylight Saving Time. This resolution awaits a hearing.

For inquiries, contact Rep. Halbrook’s office at (217) 342-0220 or visit RepHalbrook.com. "It’s time to ditch the switch and lock the clock," concluded Halbrook.