Will Georgia Stop Changing Clocks? Here’s What the Sunshine Protection Act Means for You

Published: August 20, 2026

What Just Happened in Congress?

In July 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 308–117 to move forward with a bill called the Sunshine Protection Act.

The Big Idea

This bill would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the entire country. That means no more "springing forward" or "falling back"—the clocks would stay on DST all year long.

Important: The House vote is just the first step. The bill still needs to pass the Senate and be signed by the President before it becomes law.

Georgia Is Already Ready—But There’s a Catch

Back in 2021, Georgia lawmakers passed a state law saying: "If the federal government allows it, we want permanent Daylight Saving Time."

The Problem

Federal law currently forbids states from staying on DST year-round. States can choose to stay on Standard Time permanently (like Arizona and Hawaii do), but they cannot choose permanent DST without Congress changing the rules.

So Right Now…

• Georgia’s law is on pause.
• We still have to change our clocks twice a year.
• 19 other states have passed similar laws, all waiting on Congress.

What Would Change for Sunrise and Sunset in Georgia?

The biggest difference would happen in winter.

Currently (with clock changes):

• In November, we "fall back" to Standard Time.
• Sunrise and sunset both move one hour earlier.

Under Permanent DST:

• No "fall back" in November.
• Winter sunrises and sunsets would stay about one hour later on the clock.

Example for Atlanta (around winter solstice):

• Now: Sunrise ~7:38 AM | Sunset ~5:32 PM
• Permanent DST: Sunrise ~8:38 AM | Sunset ~6:32 PM

Key Point: The total amount of daylight doesn’t change. We’re just shifting when that daylight happens on the clock.

Winter Sunrise & Sunset Times Under Permanent DST (Dec. 31)

What About Summer? (Spoiler: Nothing Changes)

Summer would look exactly the same.

Why? Because we’re already on Daylight Saving Time from March through early November. Permanent DST just means we don’t switch back in the fall.

Current Summer Times (Aug. 19, 2026):

• Atlanta: Sunrise ~7:02 AM | Sunset ~8:19 PM
• Savannah: Sunrise ~6:51 AM | Sunset ~8:03 PM
• (All other cities listed in the original article follow similar patterns.)

When Is the Next Clock Change?

Mark your calendar:
Sunday, November 1, 2026 — Clocks "fall back" one hour at 2:00 AM.

Unless Congress passes the Sunshine Protection Act before then, Georgians will still need to change their clocks this fall.

What Happens Next?

Here’s the roadmap for the Sunshine Protection Act:

1. House passes the bill (Done — July 2026)
2. Senate debates and votes (Current step)
3. If Senate passes it → goes to the President
4. President signs it into law
5. Federal law changes → Georgia’s 2021 law kicks in automatically

Bottom Line: Until all three steps happen, nothing changes. Keep changing your clocks.

Summary

FAQ

1. Does permanent DST mean more daylight?

No. The total hours of daylight stay the same. We just move one hour of morning light to the evening in winter.

2. Why can’t Georgia just do this on its own?

Federal law (the Uniform Time Act of 1966) only lets states choose permanent Standard Time, not permanent DST. Congress must change that rule first.

3. What if the Senate doesn’t vote on it?

Then the bill dies, and we keep changing clocks twice a year. Georgia’s law stays dormant.

4. Will my phone and computer update automatically?

Yes! If the law passes, tech companies will push updates. But analog clocks, microwaves, and car clocks will still need manual changes—unless the law takes effect before your next "fall back."

5. Do all states have to follow permanent DST if it passes?

Yes. The Sunshine Protection Act would make it nationwide. States couldn’t opt out (unlike Standard Time, which states can choose individually).

Written for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia
Contact: Vanessa Johns — Vcountryman@gannett.com

Stay tuned. We’ll update you the moment the Senate acts!