Will Montana Finally End Clock Changes as Neighbor Moves Forward?

As Montana gets ready to spring forward once again, many residents are asking the same question every year — why are we still changing our clocks?

Daylight Saving Time returns this weekend, meaning Montanans will move clocks ahead by one hour. While the extra evening daylight is welcome for many, not everyone is thrilled about losing sleep or adjusting schedules. 

Why Daylight Saving Time Remains Controversial

In fact, the debate over ending seasonal clock changes has been growing for years. Multiple studies have linked the time change to an increase in car accidents, workplace injuries, heart attacks, and emergency room visits in the days immediately following the switch. For many people, the disruption to sleep patterns can take days — sometimes weeks — to fully adjust, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

Montana lawmakers have already taken steps toward ending the twice-a-year time change. The state passed legislation that would allow Montana to remain on Daylight Saving Time year-round. However, federal law requires neighboring states to make similar moves before the change can officially take effect. 

What Montana Lawmakers Have Already Done

Now, one of Montana’s closest neighbors — even if it isn’t in the United States — is moving forward. 

READ MORE: Half-Hour Time Change? New Proposal Sparks Montana Debate

The Canadian province of British Columbia (B.C.) has announced plans to eliminate seasonal clock changes and remain on permanent Daylight Saving Time. The move adds momentum to a growing movement across North America questioning whether changing clocks still makes sense in modern life. According to Newser.com, from November to March, B.C. will be on Mountain time with Montana and Alberta. From March to November it will align back with Washington, Oregon, and California.

British Columbia’s Move Toward Permanent Time

British Columbia is hoping that America will join them in the change.   

via GIPHY

For many Montanans, the sentiment is simple: nobody enjoys changing their clocks. Whether it’s groggy mornings, disrupted routines, or safety concerns, the biannual time shift continues to face criticism. 

READ MORE: When Will Montana Stop Changing Clocks? What to Know for 2026

With neighboring regions reconsidering the practice, the question remains — could Montana eventually stop changing clocks for good? 

It’s a conversation that clearly isn’t going away anytime soon.