Kentucky House Bill HB368

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/22/26

Caption

AN ACT relating to exempting the Commonwealth of Kentucky from the observance of daylight saving time.

Summary

HB 368 would exempt Kentucky from observing daylight saving time and require the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions to remain on standard time year-round. The bill creates a new section in KRS Chapter 2 stating that Kentucky would not participate in the federal “advancement of time” provision and would instead observe standard time at all times under federal law. The act is set to take effect on October 31, 2026. If enacted, the bill would change state law by formally directing Kentucky state government and local governments to stop changing clocks for daylight saving time. It would not appear to alter private conduct directly, but it would affect public agencies, local governments, and any state-level timekeeping or scheduling practices tied to statutory time observance. The bill also references federal daylight saving time statutes, indicating the state’s intent to opt out of the seasonal time change framework to the extent permitted by federal law.

Impact

The bill would add a new provision to KRS Chapter 2 establishing Kentucky’s exemption from daylight saving time and requiring year-round standard time for the state and its political subdivisions. It would affect state and local government operations, public scheduling, and any laws or administrative practices that rely on the state’s observance of time changes. The bill is framed as an opt-out from federal daylight saving time rules, while still adhering to federal standard time requirements.

Sentiment

There is limited recorded discussion or voting history available for HB 368, so the overall sentiment cannot be measured from committee debate or floor votes. Based on the bill’s subject and its introduction, the measure appears to be presented as a straightforward policy change rather than a controversial omnibus proposal. The absence of transcripts or votes suggests the bill had not yet generated substantial public legislative debate in the available record.

Contention

The main point of contention likely concerns whether Kentucky should abandon daylight saving time and remain on standard time year-round, a policy that can divide stakeholders over convenience, commerce, public health, and coordination with neighboring states. Supporters of permanent standard time typically argue it is simpler and more consistent, while opponents may worry about disruption to business, travel, and alignment with surrounding jurisdictions. Because no committee transcripts or votes are available, specific named opponents or supporters are not identified in the record provided.