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Lawmakers considering making daylight saving time year-round

Supporters of the bill say it would cut down on car crashes, reduce crime and increase our nation's tourism dollars.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As you get ready to set your clocks ahead one hour this weekend — and lose a valuable hour of sleep — there are some lawmakers working to make it a permanent, year-round change. 

Sen. Marco Rubio from Florida has introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, which would keep the entire country in daylight saving time. 

RELATED: Daylight saving time starts Sunday. This bill could make it permanent

Supporters say the change would cut down on car accidents, decrease crime and increase energy efficiency. Another big selling point is the economic advantages including more tourism dollars generated by a later sunset. 

"Our fishing industry would love it if they could get more daylight time on the coast," said former Charlotte City Councilman and state representative Andy Dulin. "The folks in the mountains would love to have people on the hiking trails longer."

Dulin will appear on WCNC's Flashpoint Sunday, March 10. 

Opponents of the Sunshine Protection Act say it could create new problems like a later sunrise. In many places, the sun wouldn't come up until 8 a.m., which could create safety issues for students going to school in the morning. 

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