Permanent standard time.

Senator Niello's proposal to establish permanent standard time in California would eliminate the state's biannual clock changes and exempt California from federal daylight saving requirements. The legislation, co-authored by Senator Choi and Assembly Member Ta, would amend the Government Code to require year-round observance of Pacific Standard Time by all state and local government entities.

The bill would repeal provisions from Proposition 7, approved by voters in 2018, which currently authorizes the Legislature to modify daylight saving time dates or implement year-round daylight time when permitted by federal law. Under the proposed changes, California would join other U.S. states and territories that maintain standard time throughout the year. The bill's findings cite recommendations from medical organizations including the California Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which indicate a preference for permanent standard time over daylight saving time. Authors note that neighboring states are considering similar changes, highlighting potential regional coordination on timekeeping practices.

Implementation would require state and local government entities to adjust their operations and timekeeping systems. While the legislation does not specify an implementation timeline, the changes would affect scheduling across public services, educational institutions, and other government functions. The measure requires a two-thirds vote for passage, reflecting the threshold established in the original 2018 ballot measure.