SF2403

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to align Minnesota's timekeeping practices with federal standards by recognizing standard time year-round starting in 2025. It establishes a framework that will automatically update Minnesota's time practices if federal law changes to allow states to use advanced standard time (commonly known as daylight saving time) year-round.

Main Provisions

• Recognition of Standard Time: Starting in 2025, Minnesota will observe federal standard time as its official time year-round.
• Conditional Change with Federal Law: The practice of recognizing federal standard time in Minnesota will expire if the federal government enacts laws allowing states to adopt advanced standard time (daylight saving time) year-round.
• Statewide Uniformity: All state departments, and local governments, including counties, cities, and towns, must adhere to the federal time standards. No separate time ordinance or other time systems are allowed.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 645.071, to explicitly prohibit the adoption of any local time systems differing from federal standard time or advanced standard time. Previously, the statute did not specify the year-round observance of federal standard time, and was not dependent on potential federal legislation on advanced standard time.

Relevant Terms

• Standard Time
• Advanced Standard Time
• Daylight Saving Time
• Federal Law
• Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 645.071