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America already tried permanent daylight saving time. It lasted less than a year. Could it work now?
By Deepti Hajela, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 16, 2026
· 3 min read
It's an idea whose time, as it were, may have come — again. The twice-yearly changing of the clocks in the United States could be a thing of the past if legislation currently in Congress that calls for permanent daylight time makes it through. But even as annoying as some find the back-and-forth ...
Key takeaway America has tried it before, most recently in the 1970s, and it didn't last.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , the potential shift to permanent daylight saving time could have notable implications for daily commutes and outdoor activities. Given the city's location in south Texas, winters are generally mild, but the shorter morning light during winter months could still pose challenges for residents, particularly children walking to school. The fact that school starting times have begun to shift later in recent years, as mentioned by experts, may help mitigate some of these concerns. However, it's crucial for San Antonio's city government and residents to consider the potential effects on public safety, especially during the winter months when darkness falls earlier. As the Senate deliberates on the bill, San Antonio's community should weigh in on the proposal, taking into account the city's unique characteristics and the potential benefits and drawbacks of adopting permanent daylight saving time.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? It's an idea whose time, as it were, may have come — again. The twice-yearly changing of the clocks in the United States could be a thing of the past if legislation currently in Congress that calls for permanent daylight time makes it through. But even as annoying as some find the back-and-forth ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Deepti Hajela, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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