Q:  I have heard there is a ballot measure this November that will repeal daylight saving time in California.  Can you fill me in on this?

– A.S., Torrance

A:   The California Legislature recently passed Assembly Bill 807, which was signed by Gov. Brown.  It provides for Californians to vote this November on whether to repeal daylight saving time. When Brown signed the bill, he wrote: “Fiat Lux!” the Latin phrase that means “Let there be light.”  If passed by voters, daylight saving time as we know it would be repealed, and the California Legislature can adjust the time, subject to federal approval. The bill’s author, Assemblymember Kansen Chu of San Jose, insists that doing away with daylight saving time will improve public health.

Q:  What law created daylight saving time? – J.L., Lakewood

A:  While there are some exceptions (such as Hawaii), most of the United States observe daylight saving time.  In fact, much of the world has observed daylight saving at one point or another. In our country, daylight saving has existed since World War I.  During World War II, President Roosevelt instituted year-round daylight saving.  By the 1960’s there was so much inconsistency, Congress established the Uniform Time Act to create a system within each time zone, other than those states whose legislature voted to maintain standard time. In 2005, Congress extended daylight saving time. Thus, the short answer to your question is: Yes, daylight saving time is “the law”.

Q:  Is daylight saving the same overseas as it is here?  T.T., Rancho Palos Verdes

A:  Most of the countries that observe daylight saving time save one hour in the summer and change their clocks some time between midnight and 3 a.m.  In the United States, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, with the time changes occurring at 2 a.m. local time.  So, it is a bit different here.

Ron Sokol is a Manhattan Beach attorney with more than 35 years of experience. His column, which appears on Wednesdays, presents a summary of the law and should not be construed as legal advice. Email questions and comments to him at Ronsesq@aol.com or write to him at Ask the Lawyer, Daily Breeze, 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 170, Torrance, CA 90503.