The Senate Business and Labor Committee convened on February 19, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill addressing the ongoing debate over daylight saving time in Utah. The meeting highlighted the significant impact of clock changes on families, particularly those with children who have autism, as shared by a committee member who emphasized the distress caused by the biannual time shifts.

The bill aims to establish a permanent standard time in Utah, pending federal approval for a shift to year-round daylight saving time. The proponent of the bill articulated that the intention is not to trivialize the issue but to address a real concern affecting many residents. The discussion revealed that a substantial portion of the population is in favor of stopping the clock changes altogether, with various polls indicating that between 65% and 85% of respondents support a change, though opinions vary on whether to adopt standard or daylight saving time permanently.

Senator Musselman raised questions regarding the statistics presented, noting discrepancies in public opinion data. The bill's sponsor clarified that while there is a split in preference for standard versus daylight saving time, the overarching sentiment among the public is a desire to eliminate the clock changes entirely. The committee engaged in a thorough examination of the bill, with members expressing interest in the implications of such a change for Utah residents.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members discussed the potential next steps for the bill, including further research and public outreach to gauge community sentiment. The session concluded with a commitment to revisit the topic, ensuring that the voices of Utahns are considered in the decision-making process regarding time regulation in the state.