The Washington Senate has passed a measure that would make daylight saving time permanent if federal law changes.
The measure cleared the Senate on a 46-2 vote Tuesday. The Senate amended the House-approved measure and now it heads back to the House for a final vote.
The vote comes as more than two dozen states are considering measures to avoid the twice-yearly clock change.
If signed into law, Washington's measure would only take effect if Congress passes legislation allowing states to observe daylight saving time year-round. Currently, it is observed from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November.
While federal law allows states to opt into standard time permanently — which Hawaii and Arizona have done — the reverse is prohibited and requires Congressional action.
