MA S2157

Massachusetts would adopt Atlantic Standard Time year-round and opt out of daylight saving time under the federal Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. section 260(a)), effectively making the state one hour ahead of current Eastern Standard Time permanently.

The time zone change only takes effect if two or more neighboring states (New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, or Maine) adopt Atlantic Standard Time or enact similar legislation.

Within 90 days, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must convene a task force to study the impact of school start times on student academic performance and adolescent sleep needs, with a report due within 12 months.

Within 120 days, the governor must petition the U.S. Department of Transportation to officially place Massachusetts in the Atlantic Standard Time zone.