The Clock Keeps Ticking: Nevada’s Battle Over Daylight Saving Time

Nevadans once again “sprang forward” in March 2026, adjusting their clocks despite ongoing efforts to end the biannual time change. A bill aimed at establishing permanent standard time in the state, known as the ‘Lock the Clock’ Act, stalled in the legislature in 2025, reigniting a decades-long debate between public health advocates and industry interests.

A History of Time Tweaks

The current system of changing clocks twice a year has persisted for 50 years, despite growing concerns about its impact on health and safety. The ‘Lock the Clock’ Act (Assembly Bill 81) sought to align Nevada with Arizona, Hawaii, and several U.S. Territories by opting out of Daylight Saving Time (DST). While the bill passed the Nevada Assembly with bipartisan support (27-15 vote) in April 2025, it failed to advance from the Senate Committee on Government Affairs before a crucial May 17th deadline.

The Health and Safety Argument

Supporters of AB81 argued that the artificial time changes disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to negative health outcomes. Studies have linked DST to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, workplace injuries, and car accidents. The bill was framed as a commonsense measure to improve public health and safety.

The Origins of Daylight Saving Time

The Uniform Time Act of 1966, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, aimed to end the chaotic patchwork of state and city time changes. Supported by transportation and broadcast industry lobbyists, the act mandated DST from the last Sunday of April to the last Sunday of October. Amendments in 2005, extending DST by four weeks, further fueled the debate.

Who Benefits from the Time Change?

The persistence of DST is largely attributed to lobbying efforts from specific industries that benefit from increased daylight hours and consumer spending. Key players include:

• Big Candy: Lobbying by the National Confectioners Association led to the extension of DST to include Halloween, boosting candy sales. Halloween spending increased from $3.3 billion in 2005 to $5.07 billion in 2007.
• The Golf Lobby: The golf industry estimated that DST generated an additional $400 million in economic activity in the 1980s, and now generates billions annually, due to increased evening play.
• Big BBQ & Retail: Lobbyists argued that an extra month of sunlight encouraged spending on outdoor goods, building materials, and dining, benefiting the broader retail sector.

Nevada’s Industry Opposition

In 2025, industry opposition to AB81 mirrored these long-standing arguments, emphasizing the economic benefits of more evening daylight. Concerns were also raised about potential disruptions to commerce if Nevada were to operate on a different time zone than neighboring states. Representatives from the resort and casino industry also advocated for further consultation with stakeholders before any changes were made.

California’s Potential Path

Despite the setback in Nevada, there is potential for future change. In 2018, California voters passed Proposition 7, granting the state legislature the power to end DST if permitted by the federal government. However, federal law currently does not allow states to adopt permanent DST.

Looking Ahead

Nevada residents remain subject to the biannual clock changes, but the debate over permanent standard time continues. States can either adhere to federal DST requirements or opt out, as Arizona and Hawaii have done. The future of time in Nevada hinges on potential federal legislation or a coordinated effort with neighboring states, all while navigating the influence of powerful industry lobbies.