Kansas is at the crossroads of a significant decision that could impact how residents experience time forever. Lawmakers in the state are discussing the possibility of ending daylight saving time (DST) and sticking to standard time year-round.
This move would eliminate the biannual clock changes that many Kansans find inconvenient and disruptive.
If passed, this legislation could take effect in November 2025, with Kansans setting their clocks back one final time and never adjusting them again — unless Congress implements a nationwide change.
What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight saving time was first introduced in 1918 under President Woodrow Wilson. The concept aimed to save energy and encourage outdoor activities by extending daylight hours during the warmer months.
DST currently runs from March to November, while standard time spans from November to March.
- During daylight saving time, the summer sun sets as late as 8 p.m. or later.
- Under standard time, winter evenings often turn pitch dark by 5 p.m.
This seasonal adjustment has been part of American life for over a century, but public sentiment is increasingly shifting against the practice of changing clocks twice a year.
Why Is Kansas Considering the Change?
Senator Kenny Titus, a Republican from Manhattan, Kansas, introduced the bill after hearing complaints from constituents.
According to Titus, most Kansans want to stop the disruptive time changes. However, the debate centers around whether to adopt permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time.
Key Arguments for Ending Daylight Saving Time:
- Improved Sleep Cycles: Standard time aligns better with natural human sleep rhythms. For example, in Topeka, the sunrise on January 23 occurs at 7:36 a.m. under standard time. Under permanent daylight saving time, sunrise wouldn’t happen until 8:36 a.m.
- Historical Lessons: The U.S. experimented with permanent daylight saving time during the 1973 energy crisis under President Richard Nixon. While initially popular, public support dropped from 79% in December 1973 to 42% by February 1974 due to darker winter mornings.
- Simplified Life: Eliminating clock changes reduces complications with automatic software updates and prevents the health risks associated with disrupted sleep patterns.
Potential Challenges of a Time Change in Kansas
While the proposed legislation has benefits, it also comes with logistical challenges. Senator Caryn Tyson, a Republican from Parker, expressed concerns about Kansas making the change independently.
Challenges:
- Time Zone Confusion: Kansans living near state lines, such as in the Kansas City area, would experience frequent time zone shifts when crossing into neighboring states like Missouri. Grocery shopping or catching local news could become complicated.
- Broadcasting Issues: Television and radio stations would need to account for programming in two different time zones.
- Lack of National Consistency: A state-level change could cause confusion unless implemented nationwide. Arizona is currently the only state that has permanently opted out of daylight saving time.
A Look at Arizona’s Example
Arizona eliminated daylight saving time in 1968, opting to stay on standard time year-round. This decision was made to avoid the extreme heat of long summer evenings.
While Arizona’s experience has been largely positive, the state’s unique climate makes it an imperfect comparison for Kansas.
Key Facts About the Proposed Change
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Proposed Legislation | End daylight saving time in Kansas and adopt permanent standard time. |
Timeline | Final clock change in November 2025. |
Benefits | Better sleep alignment, simplified systems, and historical precedent. |
Challenges | Time zone confusion near state lines, broadcasting issues, and lack of federal uniformity. |
Public Opinion | Mixed, with debates over standard time vs. daylight saving time. |
The Bigger Picture: Federal Action Needed?
Some lawmakers and residents believe Kansas should wait for federal-level changes to daylight saving time. Senator Caryn Tyson advocates for a uniform national approach, noting that patchwork time zones between states could create unnecessary complications.
The Sunshine Protection Act, which proposes permanent daylight saving time nationwide, has been introduced in Congress multiple times but has yet to pass.
If Congress acts, Kansas may avoid the challenges of being one of the first states to make the change.
Kansas lawmakers face a significant decision that could reshape daily life across the state. While sticking to standard time year-round offers benefits like improved sleep cycles and simplified systems, it also raises challenges related to time zone confusion and interstate coordination.
As debates continue, the state could take a historic step toward ending a century-old practice — or wait for federal action to ensure a seamless transition nationwide.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Kansans are ready for a change in how time is handled, making this issue one to watch closely in the years ahead.