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Daylight Saving Bill Headed To Oregon Governor

Junction City

Oregon lawmakers have signed off on a plan to keep most of the state in daylight saving time year-round.

Senate Bill 320 has now passed the Oregon House and Senate. If the governor signs it, the bill would only take effect if both California and Washington also adopt year-round daylight saving time. Washington lawmakers approved a bill to do that. California lawmakers are still considering the proposal. Permanent daylight saving time would need to clear another major hurdle: Congressional approval.

Opponents, including Rep. Jack Zika, R-Redmond, said it would mean the sun would rise after 8:30 a.m. for a good chunk of the winter. “Don’t make my kids walk to school in the dark. Don't make Oregonians walk to school in the dark," he said.

Supporters said they were tired of having to switch their clocks twice a year. And they dismissed the concerns of those who said the sun would rise too late in the winter.

"To those who worry about whether we can adapt to the dark, I would suggest (you) look at Alaska," said Rep. John Lively, D-Springfield.

The bill passed 37-20 with both bipartisan support and bipartisan opposition. It heads to Governor Kate Brown, who says she’ll sign it.

Chris Lehman has been reporting on Oregon issues since 2006. He joined the KLCC news department in December 2018 and became News Director in March 2023. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. His public broadcasting career includes stops in Louisiana and Illinois. Chris has filed for national programs including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”