SC lawmakers propose referendum on daylight saving time

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Some South Carolina lawmakers want to leave the decision on whether the state keeps springing forward and falling backward each year in the hands of the voters.

Republican Rep. Alan Clemmons' bill would have had voters during the 2018 general election asked if they wanted to stay on standard time every year and stop adjusting their clocks twice a year to observe daylight saving time.

The proposal's chance of passing is slim because it missed the crossover deadline Tuesday. But Clemmons said at a House subcommittee meeting Wednesday that there are still other options.

"We can certainly pass a bill or a resolution for Congress to observe the wishes of South Carolina to move away from spring forward and fall back," Myrtle Beach Republican said.

Any decision changing how the state marks time would have to receive congressional approval.

"My reason to file bill was to get a sense of South Carolina as to the angst that South Carolinians have to spring forward or fall back," Clemmons said.

Last month, Florida legislators approved a measure to keep daylight saving time all year.

"I didn't realize it when I filed the bill that it seems like the issue of the day in many states," Clemmons said.

The House subcommittee adjourned debate on the bill, saying they would discuss the issue further at another meeting.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• Prosecutors seek death penalty against Erica Parsons' adoptive mother
• Man arrested after assault on CATS bus in uptown Charlotte
• 2 accused of shooting pregnant woman, leading police on chase
• WATCH: Keith Monday's Thursday forecast outlook
• North Carolina couple charged in death of man beaten as baby
• Dozens of firefighters respond to 2-alarm fire at Rowan Co. plant

Associated Press