Proposition 7

Repeal California Daylight Savings Time

Would give the Legislature the ability to change the daylight saving time period in California by a two-thirds vote, if changes are consistent with federal law. Proposition 7 is a legislative statute.

Fiscal Impact: This measure would have no direct fiscal effect because changes to daylight saving time would depend on future actions by the Legislature and potentially the federal government.

Semi-official results:

Yes: 2,527,437 (61.7%)

No: 1,570,484 (38.3%)

See Endorsements for Proposition 7

Pro:

Proponents of Proposition 7 state that the measure will end the biannual time changes that medical researchers and economists agree are hazardous to the health and productivity of schoolchildren, the workforce, and seniors.

A YES vote on this measure means: The Legislature, with a two-thirds vote, could change daylight saving time if the change is allowed by the federal government. Absent any legislative change, California would maintain its current daylight saving time period (early March to early November).

Con:

Opponents of Proposition 7 argue that it would be light in the evening in the summer, as it is now, but winter mornings would be dark for an extra hour so children would be going to school in the dark.

A NO vote on this measure means: California would maintain its current daylight saving time period.

Background

Federal Law Establishes Daylight Saving Time for Part of the Year. Federal law establishes a standard time zone for each area of the U.S. For example, California and other western states are in the Pacific Standard Time zone. Federal law requires the standard time of each zone to advance by one hour from early March to early November—a period known as Daylight Saving Time (DST). During DST, sunrises and sunsets occur one hour later than they otherwise would. Currently, federal law does not allow states to adopt year-round DST. However, federal law allows states to opt out of DST and remain on standard time all year, as is currently the case in Arizona and Hawaii.

California Voted on DST About 70 Years Ago. In 1949, California voters approved an initiative measure which established DST in California. The Legislature can only make changes to that initiative measure by submitting those changes to the voters for their approval.

Proposition 7 Proposal

Proposition 7 allows the Legislature with a two-thirds vote to change DST (such as by remaining on DST year-round), as long as the change is allowed under federal law. Until any such change, California would maintain the current DST period if Proposition 7 passed.

Source: LAO Analysis of Proposition 7

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