Washington's last clock change. Ever.
A citizens' initiative to permanently end the biannual clock change in Washington State — grounded in science, respectful of federal law, and actionable right now.
The Initiative
Three provisions. Clean logic.
The Last Fall Back Act is structured to work immediately — and to handle any future federal action gracefully.
Permanent Standard Time — Immediately
Once enacted, Washington observes Pacific Standard Time year-round. If the Act takes effect after a fall-back date — as it would following a November election — the very next spring-forward is canceled. No waiting for the following autumn.
Effective immediatelyNo More Clock Changes — In Either Direction
All Washington State agencies, instrumentalities, and political subdivisions are prohibited from advancing official timekeeping on any subsequent Spring Forward Date. The disruption ends permanently.
Year-round stabilityA Built-In Federal Bridge
If Congress ever enacts a law permitting states to permanently observe Daylight Saving Time, Washington transitions to permanent PDT on the next spring date — at least 60 days after federal authorization. Either way, the clock-changing ends.
Future-proofWhy standard time — not permanent DST?
States have clear federal authority to adopt permanent standard time under 15 U.S.C. § 260a — the same authority Arizona and Hawaii use today. Permanent daylight saving time, by contrast, requires Congressional authorization that has not been enacted. The Last Fall Back Act takes the path that's available now. It also aligns with the medically recommended option: the American Academy of Sleep Medicine specifically recommends permanent standard time over permanent DST for its superior alignment with human biology.
Read 15 U.S.C. § 260a — Federal Uniform Time ActThe Evidence
The science is not ambiguous.
Every major medical organization that has studied the question agrees. The research below is publicly available — click any card to read the source.
The AASM's position statement calls for elimination of seasonal time changes in favor of year-round standard time, citing superior alignment with human circadian biology. This is the formal position of the nation's leading sleep medicine organization.
Position Statement · aasm.orgThe AHA documents the evidence that the spring clock change is associated with measurable increases in myocardial infarction and stroke in the days immediately following. Sleep disruption triggers cardiovascular events in vulnerable individuals.
AHA News · heart.orgPeer-reviewed analysis comparing permanent standard time vs. permanent DST finds that standard time best supports circadian alignment, sleep duration, and population health outcomes across all seasons.
Peer-Reviewed · Oxford AcademicRoenneberg et al. document the widespread mismatch between social timekeeping and solar time, showing that standard time reduces chronic circadian misalignment across populations — with downstream effects on metabolic and mental health.
Peer-Reviewed · cell.comSystematic review finds that DST transitions are associated with increased incidences of traffic fatalities, workplace accidents, acute myocardial infarction, mood disorders, and suicide attempts — effects that persist beyond the immediate transition week.
Systematic Review · JCSMESSB 5139, signed into law in 2019, expresses the legislature's intent to observe permanent DST — but only if Congress acts. That authorization hasn't come. The Last Fall Back Act takes the path that doesn't require waiting.
Public Law · app.leg.wa.govThe Path Forward
How this becomes law.
Washington's citizens' initiative process gives residents a direct path to the legislature — and to the ballot if needed.
Engaging health organizations, business groups, labor, and civic partners. Refining the initiative text with legal counsel. Building organizational infrastructure.
Filing the initiative with the Washington Secretary of State. Coordinated announcement with coalition partners. Signature collection begins.
Gathering 272,000+ valid signatures from registered Washington voters — through volunteers, partner networks, and professional signature collection. A 6-month window from legislative adjournment.
The Washington Legislature may pass the initiative as written, reject it, or propose an alternative. If passed — done. If not, the initiative proceeds to voters.
If not enacted by the legislature, the initiative appears on the 2028 general election ballot. A majority vote enacts it into law.
Washington falls back in November 2028. The spring-forward scheduled for March 2029 is canceled. Washington is on permanent Pacific Standard Time — forever, or until Congress authorizes states to adopt permanent DST, at which point a smooth, planned transition follows.
Express Your Interest
Ready to support this?
We're in the early stages — building our coalition and gathering feedback. If you'd like to be notified when the petition opens and stay informed on progress, let us know.
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