SB 186 would make South Dakota’s official standard time the time established under federal law for both the state’s central and mountain time zones and would exempt the state and its political subdivisions from the federal daylight saving time advancement requirement. In practical terms, the bill is designed to keep South Dakota on standard time year-round rather than switching clocks forward for daylight saving time. The measure applies statewide, including both time zones used in South Dakota.
The bill also includes a savings clause stating that it does not alter federal rules governing common carriers in interstate commerce or the timing of federal acts, orders, regulations, or rules. That means the bill is aimed at state and local time observance, while preserving federal authority where federal law controls. If enacted, it would change how state and local governments, schools, businesses, and residents in South Dakota observe the clock throughout the year.
Impact
SB 186 would add a new section to South Dakota law in chapter 1-5 establishing standard time as the official time for the state and exempting the state from the federal daylight saving time advancement provision under 15 U.S.C. § 260a(a). It would affect both central and mountain portions of the state and would direct state and local governments to observe standard time year-round. The bill does not change federal law, but it would alter state practice and could affect scheduling, public operations, and private activities that follow state time conventions.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill received some support but also some hesitation, as it was deferred to the 41st legislative day by an 8-1 vote. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded debate to show detailed arguments for or against the measure. Overall, the bill appears to have been treated as a policy proposal with interest, but not one that moved forward immediately.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely whether South Dakota should opt out of daylight saving time and remain on standard time year-round. Supporters would generally favor eliminating the seasonal clock change for consistency and simplicity, while opponents may be concerned about the effects on evening daylight, coordination with neighboring states, and broader economic or social impacts. The bill also raises practical questions about how a year-round standard-time state would align with federal transportation and federal-government timing rules, though the bill expressly preserves those federal exceptions.