https://globalnews.ca/news/5039647/washington-state-approves-step-toward-keeping-daylight-savings-time-year-round/

Washington state approves step toward keeping Daylight Saving Time year-round

By Rachel La Corte The Associated Press

WATCH: (Aired March 7) A little more than two days before British Columbians set their clocks ahead one hour, the debate has begun again over whether we really need Daylight Saving Time. Richard Zussman talked to Premier John Horgan, who says more people ask him about it than anything else.

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As Daylight Saving Time is set to take effect in most of the U.S. this weekend, the Washington House passed a measure Saturday that would make those later sunsets permanent in the state all year — if Congress allows it.

The measure passed the chamber on an 89-7 vote and now heads to the Senate, which has its own bill on the topic. The vote comes as more than two dozen states are considering measures to avoid the twice-yearly clock change.

READ MORE: Worried about losing sleep as Daylight Saving Time begins? Get some sun, expert says

Both the Senate and House measures would only take effect if Congress passes legislation allowing states to observe Daylight Saving Time year-round. Currently, it is observed from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November.

Democratic Rep. Marcus Riccelli of Spokane cited safety and health benefits among the reasons he sponsored the measure.

“It’s time to hashtag ditch the switch, bring the light and put Washington at the forefront of this movement,” he said during debate before the vote.