Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S2015

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to Massachusetts time zones and sunshine protection

Impact

If enacted, SB 2015 would have significant implications for state law, particularly regarding time management across various sectors. The bill stipulates that the change to Atlantic Standard Time would only take effect if neighboring states, such as New Hampshire or New York, also agree to implement similar measures. This cooperative approach underscores the importance of regional consistency in timekeeping and highlights the interconnectedness of the states in this regard.

Summary

Senate Bill 2015, introduced by John F. Keenan, focuses on establishing Atlantic Standard Time as the official time for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, exempting the state from the annual adjustments associated with daylight saving time. The proposed legislation outlines a clear structure for how time will be managed across various public sectors, including education and government operations. By standardizing time, the bill aims to simplify scheduling and operational logistics within the state, which may benefit both residents and businesses by minimizing confusion over timekeeping.

Contention

A notable aspect of the bill is its provision to create an educational task force within 90 days of its effective date. This task force is tasked with reviewing the effect of school start times on students' academic performance and gathering public input. While the bill aims to enhance student wellness by potentially allowing for later start times, there may be contention around how these changes will be implemented and what their impacts will be on school schedules, transportation, and family routines.

Companion Bills

MA H3051

Similar To Relative to Massachusetts time zones and sunshine protection

MA S2823

Replaced by Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to make an investigation and study of a certain current Senate document relative to Massachusetts time zones.

Previously Filed As

MA S2157

Relative to Massachusetts time zones and sunshine protection

MA S2850

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight to make an investigation and study of a certain current Senate document relative to Massachusetts time zones and sunshine protection.

MA S64

Relative to improving pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren

MA H124

Relative to improving pesticide protections for Massachusetts schoolchildren

MA H2091

Protecting Massachusetts workers

MA S1315

Protecting Massachusetts workers

MA H783

Relative to Massachusetts home care eligibility

MA SB29

Sunshine Protection Act of 2025

MA HB139

Sunshine Protection Act of 2025

MA H1901

Protecting titles to real estate in Massachusetts

Similar Bills

VA HB552

Income tax, corporate; sourcing of sales other than sales of tangible personal property.

PA SB222

Providing for grant oversight.

PA HB2052

Providing for internal auditing; and imposing duties on the Auditor General.

PA HB330

Providing for improper payments; providing for participation in Do-Not-Pay Initiative; and imposing a penalty.

VA HB609

Income tax, corporate; sourcing of sales, other than sales of tangible personal property.

PA SB189

Providing for the use of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identifier in all Commonwealth agency or entity blanks, forms, documents and applications; and imposing penalties.

VA HB609

A BILL to amend and reenact ยงยง 58.1-416, as it is effective and as it may become effective, 58.1-422.4, and 58.1-422.5, as it may become effective, of the Code of Virginia and to repeal the third enactment of Chapter 256 and the third enactment of Chapter 257 of the Acts of Assembly of 2022, relating to corporate income tax; sourcing of sales other than sales of tangible personal property.

PA HB703

A Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for the election and qualifications of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.