The House Government Operations Committee of the Utah State Legislature convened on January 22, 2025, to discuss House Bill 120, titled "Time Change Amendments." The bill, presented by Representative Eliason, aims to address the ongoing issue of clock changes that occur twice a year in Utah, a practice that has become increasingly unpopular among residents.

Representative Eliason emphasized that the bill does not advocate for either daylight savings time or standard time but seeks to eliminate the biannual clock changes that approximately 75-80% of Utahns wish to stop. He explained that the only legislative option available to Utah is to move to standard time, as federal law currently requires congressional approval for any state to adopt permanent daylight savings time.

The discussion included a historical overview of time changes in the U.S., noting that the practice began during World War I for energy conservation but has since been questioned for its effectiveness. Eliason pointed out that while some states have attempted to pass similar legislation, there is no nationwide consensus on the issue.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of support and concern regarding the bill. Several residents expressed their frustration with the clock changes, citing personal and safety issues, particularly for families and children. However, some stakeholders, including representatives from the golf community, raised concerns about the potential economic impact of moving to standard time, as it could limit evening activities during the summer months.

The bill is set to take effect in 2026, allowing Utah to remain on its current time schedule until then. The committee's discussions highlighted the growing national dialogue around time changes, with notable figures like former President Trump and Elon Musk entering the conversation, suggesting a renewed interest in finding a permanent solution to the issue.

As the committee moves forward, the implications of House Bill 120 could significantly affect how Utahns experience time changes in the future, reflecting a broader trend of states seeking autonomy over their timekeeping practices.