Can Nebraska End Daylight Saving Time—and What Would That Mean for You?
Nebraska can legally adopt permanent standard time, but it cannot adopt permanent daylight saving time (DST) unless Congress changes the Uniform Time Act of 1966. That’s the key legal distinction behind two competing 2025 bills: LB 34 and LB 302. Both advanced through the Nebraska Legislature and were placed on Final Reading on March 17, 2025—but neither has been enacted into law.
LB 34, introduced by Senator Megan Hunt, would move Nebraska to year-round DST if certain neighboring states first adopt similar laws. LB 302, introduced by Senator Dave Murman, would keep Nebraska on permanent standard time, also dependent on regional coordination. These “trigger” provisions are intended to prevent Nebraska from ending up on a different schedule than its bordering states.
For now, Nebraska remains on the federal DST calendar—from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November—and any statewide change will depend on Congress or multi-state coordination. For individuals and businesses, a permanent change could affect how “local time” is interpreted in contracts, parenting plans, and employment schedules.
What Federal Law Actually Allows—and Forbids
Under the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. § 260a), states have two choices:
Follow the national DST schedule (March → November).
Opt out entirely and stay on standard time year-round.
They cannot adopt permanent DST on their own; only Congress can authorize that. Arizona and Hawaii lawfully remain on permanent standard time under this federal exemption.
Nebraska’s Two Active Bills: LB 34 and LB 302
LB 34 (Hunt) – Proposes year-round DST, contingent on neighboring states passing similar laws. View LB 34 on the Nebraska Legislature site.
LB 302 (Murman) – Eliminates DST and keeps Nebraska on permanent standard time, also triggered only if nearby states enact comparable laws to avoid cross-border inconsistencies. View LB 302 on the Nebraska Legislature site.
Both bills advanced to Final Reading on March 17, 2025, but as of this writing neither has been signed by the Governor or taken effect. The neighbor-state trigger concept is confirmed in committee summaries and media reports, but the exact number and list of states are based on those summaries rather than final enrolled text.
Why Congress Hasn’t Ended the Clock Changes
The Sunshine Protection Act—passed by the U.S. Senate in 2022 and reintroduced in 2025 as S. 29—would authorize permanent DST nationwide. It remains stalled in the House amid debate over public-health effects. Until Congress acts, states like Nebraska can choose only permanent standard time, not year-round DST.
Practical Effects If Nebraska Locks the Clock
These effects are not yet in place, but they illustrate what a permanent change could mean:
Contracts and filings: Any term referencing “local time” will follow Nebraska’s official time. To avoid confusion, attorneys often specify “Central Standard Time (CST)” or a fixed UTC offset.
Parenting-time and custody orders: Exchange times (“pickup at 5 p.m.”) could shift by an hour unless clarified. Family-law attorneys may prefer language such as “as observed in Nebraska at the time.”
Employment and payroll: Employers with overnight or multi-state operations should review time-clock and pay-rate rules if Nebraska changes its standard.
These are planning considerations—not current statutory requirements.
Health and Economic Arguments
Health organizations (including the Nebraska Medical Association) favor permanent standard time, citing American Heart Association research showing higher heart-attack and accident rates following the spring DST change.
Business and tourism groups prefer permanent DST, arguing that longer evening light encourages outdoor activity and consumer spending.
What’s Next for Nebraska
As of November 2025:
LB 34 and LB 302 remain on Final Reading; no final vote or Governor’s signature is recorded.
15 U.S.C. § 260a continues to govern Nebraska’s DST schedule.
Updates are available through the Nebraska Legislature’s Bill Tracker and coverage by Nebraska Examiner and Nebraska Public Media.
Until Congress acts—or neighboring states pass matching laws—Nebraska will continue to “spring forward” and “fall back.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nebraska adopt permanent DST on its own?
No. The Uniform Time Act bars states from doing so without Congress.
Could Nebraska adopt permanent standard time now?
Yes. Federal law allows it, but LB 302’s trigger provision requires neighboring states to act first, and the bill has not passed.
What are the current DST dates?
DST begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
How would a change affect contracts or court deadlines?
If documents say “local time,” obligations shift with the clock. Specifying CST or a fixed UTC offset prevents ambiguity.
Where can I verify these bills’ progress?
See official Nebraska Legislature pages for LB 34 and LB 302 for current actions and fiscal notes.
Key Takeaways
Federal law controls time changes; states may only opt for permanent standard time.
LB 34 (DST) and LB 302 (Standard Time) advanced in 2025 but remain unpassed.
Any future change could affect contracts, custody orders, and payroll systems—review time references now.
Trigger details come from legislative summaries; final bill text may vary.
Stay informed via official Legislature updates before assuming Nebraska’s time law will change.