Do We Have to Turn the Clocks Back This Year in New York?

It's almost that time of year again when we get to have the same argument we've been having for decades: Are we really going to change the clocks again?

For years, people have been calling on the federal government to put an end to the twice-a-year clock change and simply leave the clocks alone. Now, there is once again a serious push in Congress to make that happen.

Daylight Saving Time Ending in New York?

A few months ago, we learned that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent. That means we would no longer "spring forward" in March and "fall back" in November.

Schools Replace Clocks in New York

But before you get too excited about never having to change your clocks again, there's something you need to know.

Yes, New Yorkers will still have to turn the clocks back this year. At least for now.

The Sunshine Protection Act

The Sunshine Protection Act has passed a major hurdle, but it still hasn't been signed into law. If it does become law, states that currently observe daylight saving time, including New York, would remain on daylight saving time year-round.

That would mean no more changing the clocks twice a year and, during the winter months, we'd have more daylight in the evening.

Are We Still "Falling Back" Clocks in 2026?

Yes. As things currently stand, New York is scheduled to end daylight saving time on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2 a.m. That's when the clocks will move backward one hour, taking us from 2 a.m. back to 1 a.m.

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So, for now, you can keep that November 1 date on your calendar. But remember, that could change if Congress acts quickly.

Clock

For the upcoming November clock change to disappear, the Sunshine Protection Act would have to make it through the Senate and then be signed into law by the president before the scheduled change. As of September 30, however, the bill remains in the Senate after being referred to the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in July.

There's Still a Long Way to Go

Supporters of the legislation say ending the twice-a-year clock changes would provide more consistency for families, workers, and businesses while giving people more daylight during the evening. The House Republican Conference has also described the bill as a way to end the twice-yearly clock changes.

But until Congress actually passes the legislation and it becomes law, the clocks are still changing that is unless something changes in Washington. And yes, that means we're going to get that extra hour of sleep.

For now, anyway.