Nebraskans would no longer reset their clocks twice a year under two proposals given second-round approval March 11, advancing to the final round of debate.

LB 34, introduced by Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, would adopt permanent daylight saving time. The switch would take effect contingent on a change in federal law or policy allowing states to do so and require adoption of the same policy by three adjacent states.

Under federal law, states currently are allowed to permanently adopt year-round standard time — which as been done in Arizona and Hawaii — but Congress would have to act to authorize states to change to year-round daylight saving time.

The other option is LB 302, sponsored by Glenvil Sen. Dave Murman, which would eliminate the observation of daylight saving time in Nebraska. Under the bill, the state would adopt permanent standard time if the neighboring states of Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Wyoming do the same.

During back-to-back select file discussion on the measures, both senators said changing clocks twice a year has negative impacts on health, sleep, workplace safety and productivity, and there is wide support in Nebraska for ending the practice.

Hunt said her proposal would result in more daylight after work, offering Nebraskans more opportunities for shopping and recreation, and would help those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

She noted that the recent change of clocks one hour ahead in observance of daylight saving time was followed by a day of “beautiful warm weather” that people could appreciate into the evening.

“This is the time of year when we can finally enjoy some daylight after work,” Hunt said.

Senators voted 27-18 to advance LB 32.

Murman said his LB 302 should be the preferred method to end time changes in Nebraska because it could be adopted without having to wait for Congress to act. In addition, he said, Americans briefly experimented with a national move to year-round daylight saving time in 1974, but gave it up after eight months.

“Initially, this move was met with a 79% approval rating,” Murman said, “but by winter, support dropped to just 42%.”

Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman supported LB 302, saying it would more closely align with how the day is naturally structured for those in the agricultural industry and others who work outdoors.

She also questioned the wisdom of passing a proposal that would require congressional approval.

“We all know how quickly that may or may not move,” Storer said.

Lawmakers advanced LB 302 to final reading on a 26-15 vote.

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