Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
January 31, 2025
Committee Chair: Sen. Rita Sanders | Bills Heard: 2 | Full Transcript (PDF)
LB302: Eliminate daylight savings time and adopt permanent standard time
Introduced by: Sen. Dave Murman | Testimony: 4 proponents, 2 opponents, 1 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Nebraska could ditch daylight savings time and stay on standard time year-round under LB302. The bill, introduced by Sen. Dave Murman, would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes that have plagued Americans since World War I. An amendment would let Nebraska act immediately without waiting for neighboring states to follow suit.
Why it matters: Research from the American Medical Association and sleep medicine experts shows the spring time change triggers spikes in heart attacks, strokes, and car accidents. A 2020 University of Colorado study found motor vehicle accidents jump 6% the week after clocks spring forward. But the change would reshape evening activities—golf courses, youth sports, and retail businesses all depend on post-work daylight.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "Standard time is naturally set to the sun," testified Jay Pea of Save Standard Time. "It provides morning light essential for farmers, construction workers, and early risers." Arizona has thrived on permanent standard time with a $6 billion golf industry. - Opponents: "This would be devastating to youth sports," said Jason Jackson, a father of four. High school baseball season already runs only March through early May. "Communities without field lighting would be hit hardest."
By the numbers: Written position comments: 31 proponents, 17 opponents, 1 neutral. Municipal golf courses generated $700,000 in 2023 revenue, with evening leagues accounting for 35-40% of yearly revenue for some courses.
What's next: No vote was taken. The committee will consider whether to advance the bill.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. Bob Andersen, Sen. John Cavanaugh Unclear: Sen. Dan Lonowski, Sen. Dave Wordekemper
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
LB34: Implement year-round daylight savings time in Nebraska
Introduced by: Sen. Megan Hunt | Testimony: 2 proponents, 3 opponents, 0 neutral | Read bill text (PDF)
Sen. Megan Hunt wants Nebraska to stay on daylight savings time year-round, giving Nebraskans more evening sunlight. LB34 would lock in the summer schedule permanently, contingent on federal action and three neighboring states doing the same. Hunt argues the extra evening daylight boosts consumer spending, combats winter depression, and expands youth sports opportunities.
Why it matters: A JPMorgan Chase study found credit card spending jumps 2% after daylight savings time kicks in and drops 3.5% when clocks fall back. For retailers and restaurants, that's real money. But the tradeoff is brutal winter mornings—sunrise could hit 9:00 a.m. in some Nebraska counties, forcing kids to wake in darkness for school.
What they're saying: - Proponents: "More evening daylight increases consumer spending and combats winter depression," Hunt testified. Golf courses and youth sports benefit from extended evening hours. "People will get used to whatever we end up doing," she added. - Opponents: "Permanent daylight time is a government mandate to wake an hour early," said Jay Pea of Save Standard Time. Russia tried it for three years and saw fatal car accidents spike. "Late morning sunrises force people to wake in darkness, reducing sleep and increasing school grades decline."
By the numbers: Written position comments: 32 proponents, 12 opponents, 4 neutral. JPMorgan Chase found 2% increase in credit card spending after daylight savings time; 3.5% decrease after standard time.
What's next: No vote was taken. The committee will decide whether to advance the bill.
Committee sentiment: Skeptical: Sen. John Cavanaugh Unclear: Sen. Dan Lonowski
Sentiment estimated from questions and comments — not stated positions.
Session Notes
The committee heard two bills on daylight savings time on the same day. Chair Sanders noted at the outset that despite similar topics, the bills would not be heard in a combined hearing. The hearing followed standard committee procedures with three-minute testimony limits enforced by a light system. Committee members introduced themselves at the start. Two UNL political science juniors served as pages. The committee emphasized that written position comments must be submitted by 8 a.m. via the Legislature's website to be included in the official record. No votes were taken on either bill during this hearing.
Generated by NE Wire Service | Source: Nebraska Legislature Transcribers Office This is an AI-generated summary. Verify all claims against the official transcript.