Legislator tries again to keep state on daylight saving time

SANTA FE — A renewed attempt to do away with New Mexico’s twice-a-year clock changes is springing ahead at the Roundhouse.

A bill calling for New Mexico to remain on daylight saving time year-round, Senate Bill 102, passed the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee 6-1 Monday.

The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, who has pushed in recent years for New Mexico to become the third state, after Hawaii and Arizona, that doesn’t change its clocks.

Pirtle and other backers have argued the twice-yearly practice can have harmful health effects, especially for families with children.

But skeptics of the legislation have said such a change could make it difficult for businesses and complicate commerce with neighboring states, among other concerns.

The time change measure now advances to the Senate Judiciary Committee.