Chilean senators propose permanent, regional time zones

A group of Chilean senators has introduced a bill to eliminate seasonal time changes and establish permanent, geographically differentiated time zones across the country. The proposal, supported by senators Camila Flores, Carlos Kuschel, Andrés Longton, Paulina Núñez, and Paulina Vodanovic, has been sent to the Senate Government Commission.

The initiative aims to replace the current system of advancing and retreating clocks in April and September with fixed UTC offsets. Under the proposed law, the country would adopt three distinct time zones: UTC-4 as the general rule, UTC-6 for Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and Salas y Gómez Island, and UTC-3 for the Aysén and Magallanes regions.

Proponents argue that the current seasonal shifts negatively impact health, particularly for children, adolescents, the elderly, shift workers, and individuals with sleep disorders. The senators also noted that Chile is currently the only South American nation that maintains seasonal time changes, whereas most of the world has moved toward stable timekeeping.