Repeals daylight savings time in the state and follow the “United States Standard Eastern Time” as provided by an exemption from the advancement of time as provide by the federal Uniform Time Ac of 1966, 15 U.S.C. § 260(a).

Rhode Island Bill: Ending Daylight Saving Time

This bill would eliminate daylight saving time in Rhode Island, meaning the state would stop changing its clocks twice a year. Instead, Rhode Island would stay on what is called "Eastern Standard Time" (EST) permanently — the time used during the winter months. The bill is made possible by a federal law from 1966 that already allows individual states to opt out of observing daylight saving time, as Arizona and Hawaii currently do.

In practical terms, this means Rhode Island residents would no longer "spring forward" in March or "fall back" in November. The state would remain on the same time year-round. During the summer months, when most of the country moves clocks forward one hour, Rhode Island would be one hour behind neighboring states like Massachusetts and Connecticut — unless those states made the same change. This could create some scheduling complications for businesses, transportation, and people who regularly cross state lines.

The bill affects all Rhode Island residents, as well as businesses, schools, hospitals, broadcasters, and anyone who coordinates activities across state lines. Supporters of such measures often point to potential health and safety benefits of avoiding the time change, while critics sometimes raise concerns about regional consistency. The bill has been introduced in the Senate and is scheduled for a hearing, but has not yet been voted on or signed into law.