Legislation in the Missouri House would permanently adopt Daylight Saving Time as the new Standard Time, but only if 20 other states also agree to do so.House Bill 340 would create a pact with other states to “eliminate” Daylight Saving Time by renaming it the new “Standard Time.” And once 20 or more states join the pact, they’ll spring forward one hour and permanently remain there. It’s sponsored by State Representative Delus Johnson (R, St. Joseph).

“The only question I had on this (is whether) children are gonna be at bus stops in the dark," Johnson said. "The majority of accidents that have occurred at bus stops occur in the daytime between 3:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon.”

Johnson says having an extra hour of afternoon sunlight year-round would also spur more economic activity.

“In the fall, it’s going to incite more tourism – people are gonna be able to travel a little bit later in the day with sunlight," Johnson said. "It’s gonna spur a little bit more economic development with that extra sunlight where people are out visiting (during) retail hours, and then when it’s been in effect for a year we’ll see the same effect the following spring when we still have sunlight earlier in the year, instead of having to change our clocks.”

The bill is scheduled for a House committee vote next week.