General Provisions - Full-Year Daylight Saving Time

HB 1290 would make Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) Maryland's permanent standard time, replacing the current system of switching between Eastern Standard Time and EDT. It directly affects all state courts, banks, public offices, and official proceedings by requiring them to operate on EDT year-round. The bill's implementation depends entirely on a federal law change (15 U.S.C. § 260a) allowing states to adopt year-round daylight saving time, with the Secretary of State monitoring federal action and notifying the Department of Legislative Services if the change occurs. If federal approval isn't secured by December 31, 2030, the bill becomes void. The law would take effect July 1, 2025, if the federal change occurs before that date.