Georgia's Permanent Daylight Saving Time Law Contingent on Federal Approval
Georgia lawmakers approved legislation in 2021 to observe Daylight Saving Time (DST) year-round, but its implementation is contingent on a change in federal law. The U.S. House recently voted 308-117 in July to advance the Sunshine Protection Act, which would allow permanent DST nationwide. However, this measure still requires approval from the U.S. Senate and the President's signature to become law. Currently, federal law mandates DST from the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November, meaning Georgia residents will still 'fall back' on November 1, 2026, unless federal legislation changes before then. If permanent DST were enacted, the most noticeable change in Georgia would occur during winter months, with sunrises and sunsets shifting approximately one hour later compared to the current standard time. For example, Atlanta's winter sunrise and sunset could shift from roughly 7:38 a.m. and 5:32 p.m. to 8:38 a.m. and 6:32 p.m. around the winter solstice. The amount of daylight would not i... 
