Residents of Minnesota will set their clocks back one hour on the night of Sunday, November 1, 2026, gaining an extra hour of sleep for Halloween weekend. The hoped‑for permanent daylight‑saving schedule never materialized because the federal Sunshine Protection Act has not become law.

Why the clocks still change

Daylight Saving Time (DST) has been part of American life for more than a century. The United States first adopted DST on March 31, 1918, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Standard Time Act as an energy‑saving measure during World War I. Since then, most states have followed the practice of springing forward and falling back each year.

Federal attempts to make DST permanent

In 2022, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill that would have made DST permanent nationwide. The measure stalled in the House of Representatives and was never signed into law. Earlier this year, the House passed a version of the bill for 2025 on July 14, 2026, by a vote of 309–117, but the Senate has not yet taken it up.

President Trump’s position

President Trump has consistently favored eliminating the bi‑annual clock changes. He has said he would sign legislation to end the practice if it were sent to him after congressional approval. While his administration supports a move toward a permanent schedule, the necessary federal action remains pending.

What Minnesota can do

Minnesota, along with 18 other states, has already passed state legislation that would adopt permanent DST once the federal government enacts a matching law. Until Congress passes the Sunshine Protection Act, Minnesota must continue the traditional clock changes.

Upcoming clock changes

On Sunday, November 1, 2026, clocks will fall back at 2 a.m. local time, giving Minnesotans an extra hour of sleep. The next change will occur on Sunday, March 14, 2027, when clocks spring forward and the hour is lost again.

What this means for families

Parents can use the extra hour in the fall to enjoy more time with their children, and the predictable schedule allows schools and businesses to plan ahead. While the debate over permanent DST continues, the current system remains reliable for families and communities across the state.

Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.