Bill to lock Oklahoma’s clock approved by governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Bill 1200 by Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens, R-Tahlequah, was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt Friday. The measure provides that the State of Oklahoma shall adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST) upon approval of federal legislation to allow states to choose whether or not they change their clocks twice a year.

“I am incredibly appreciative of my fellow lawmakers on both sides of the rotunda who voted in favor of this measure, landing it on the governor’s desk. Further, I extend my appreciation to Governor Stitt for his approval of this legislation that will give us an extra hour of daylight in the evenings during the winter months once the Sunshine Protection Act is approved by Congress,” Stephens said.

Stephens also thanked the House principal author of the measure, Speaker Charles McCall, House Rules Committee Vice Chair Rep. Brian Hill, and Rep. Scott Fetgatter for their role in advancing SB 1200.

“I have long advocated for locking our clock and have spent many hours with my legislative colleagues and various organizations to discuss the benefits of adopting permanent DST. Oklahoma’s future is looking even brighter now that we have this law in place, and I look forward to continuing the fight and working with our federal delegation to support the passage of the Sunshine Protection Act so we can officially lock our clocks,” Stephens said.