Montana Passed a Law to End Clock Changes: Why Hasn’t It Happened

There are a few things about fall in Montana that I love without question: the crisp air, the leaves, the cozy evenings, and finally getting to pull out the sweaters.

The earlier darkness? I could do without that part.

We’re already watching daylight slip away earlier each evening. And when you have three doodles, no amount of early darkness gets you out of the after dinner dog walk. Starting November 1, it’ll feel even more abrupt.

That’s when Montana falls back.

Montana Clocks Move Back on November 1

At 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, Montana clocks will move back one hour to 1 a.m. Billings will return to Mountain Standard Time that morning.

You’ll gain an hour overnight, which sounds pretty great in theory. But the tradeoff is that sunset will show up about an hour earlier on the clock.

The sun isn’t suddenly disappearing faster. We’re simply changing the clock that tells us when it sets. Still, it makes a noticeable difference when you’re heading home from work, picking up kids, running errands, or wondering why it feels like it should be bedtime before dinner is even on the table.

Montana Has Already Planned for Permanent Daylight Time

Here’s the part that surprises a lot of people: Montana has already passed a law intended to keep the state on Mountain Daylight Time all year.

The Montana Code says the state would observe Mountain Daylight Time year round, meaning no more springing forward or falling back.

But there’s one very important phrase attached to that law: it becomes effective only when certain conditions are met.

Federal Law Is Why Montana Cannot Make the Switch Yet

Montana cannot put permanent daylight saving time into place by itself because federal law still controls the basic rules for time changes.

Congress would need to authorize year round daylight saving time before Montana’s law could take effect. The state’s 2021 law also requires other western states to make similar moves.
There has been progress in Washington. The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act in July by a 308 to 117 vote. The bill would make daylight saving time permanent.

But it has not become law. The bill was sent to the Senate and referred to committee, where it is still waiting for action.
Until the Senate passes it and it is signed into law, Montana will continue changing clocks twice a year.

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Earlier Montana Sunsets Are Almost Here

So yes, you’ll get that bonus hour of sleep on November 1. But you’ll also want to brace yourself for the sudden feeling that the entire evening has shifted earlier.

The good news is that your phone, computer, and most newer appliances should update automatically. The bad news is that the microwave, oven, vehicle clock, and that one stubborn wall clock will still need your attention.