Americans may be one step closer to ending the twice-a-year clock change.

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. The bipartisan measure passed by a 308-117 vote and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If approved there and signed by President Donald Trump, Americans in most states would no longer “spring forward” in March and “fall back” in November.

For Georgia, the proposal would mean clocks would remain on Daylight Saving Time year-round, giving residents more daylight during the evening hours throughout the winter. However, sunrise would come much later during the coldest months. In northwest Georgia, winter sunrises could occur after 8 a.m., meaning many students would head to school before daybreak.

Georgia is already prepared for the change. In 2021, Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation authorizing permanent Daylight Saving Time if Congress changes federal law. Current federal law allows states to stay on permanent Standard Time, but not permanent Daylight Saving Time, making congressional action necessary before Georgia’s law can take effect.

Supporters say ending the time change would eliminate sleep disruptions, reduce traffic accidents linked to lost sleep, and provide more evening daylight for outdoor recreation and businesses. Opponents argue that darker winter mornings could create safety concerns for school children and morning commuters, while some sleep experts continue to advocate for permanent Standard Time instead because it aligns more closely with the body’s natural circadian rhythm.

The bill still must clear the Senate before becoming law, and its prospects there remain uncertain after similar legislation stalled in previous sessions of Congress