New Jersey could soon stop the twice-a-year ritual of changing clocks if a new bill to make daylight saving time permanent moves forward.

The proposal, sponsored by State Sen. Shirley Turner, would keep the state on daylight saving time year-round — meaning no more “spring forward” or “fall back.” Supporters say the switch would eliminate confusion and improve public health by increasing daylight exposure.

“People are frustrated with it, and it’s unnecessary. We should come into the modern time,” said Turner. “We should just lock the clock — one way or the other. But I think more people would prefer daylight saving time,” she said.

For decades, federal law has prevented states from observing daylight saving time year-round. However, momentum for change is growing across the country. Two states no longer observe daylight saving at all (Arizona and Hawaii), and several others are pushing similar measures.

“There are myriad reasons why we should lock the clock and not continue with something that makes no sense at all,” Turner said.

In Passaic, clock repair shop owner Ruben Braun said he’s ready for the change — even though it might cut into his business.

“I don’t personally like it, however for my business, it’s profitable,” Braun said. “People tend to mess up their watches and clocks, and they always come in to me for repairs during daylight saving time.”

Still, Braun — a seventh-generation “hourologist” now running the family business — agrees that the constant changing is outdated.

“I think it’s antiquated, I think we should get rid of it,” he said, calling the bill a “wonderful idea.”

“It’s going to affect my business, but I’m busy anyway, so I’m OK with not having that,” he said.

Supporters of the bill argue that switching between standard and daylight time can negatively affect sleep cycles, lead to more car accidents, and even contribute to seasonal depression.

Turner’s bill is expected to head to the state senate for a vote in the coming weeks. If it passes, it would still require approval from the federal government before taking effect.

Whether New Jersey’s effort to “lock the clock” gains enough support — only time will tell.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.