Oklahoma Representative Tammy Townley has introduced Senate Bill 1200, which aims to eliminate daylight saving time in the state, allowing Oklahomans to avoid changing their clocks twice a year. The bill has already been signed by Governor Stitt but requires federal approval to take effect.
Townley noted that Hawaii and Arizona currently operate without daylight saving time, and Oklahoma’s legislation includes a trigger law to adopt Central Standard Time. For the bill to be enacted, other states must pass similar laws, prompting federal action.
The potential impacts of this change could affect various industries, including tourism and parks, which might face earlier sunsets and reduced business hours. Local ranchers, like Nikki Callison from Callison Ranch Beef, expressed concerns about safety and animal welfare due to limited daylight for livestock care during winter months.
Despite the legislation’s progress, Oklahomans will still need to adjust their clocks on November 3rd.