Leave Eastern Time Zone? Massachusetts Legislators Will Consider

It's time.

A state commission has been ordered to study the long-discussed possibility of switching Massachusetts off Eastern standard time, putting us an hour ahead of surrounding states four months out of every year.

The upside of the disconnect is that Massachusetts would enjoy longer daylight hours in the winter, a feat accomplished by disposing of Daylight Savings Time. We would still align with surrounding states in spring and summer.

Tucked into a state economic development bill passed this week is a call to create a special commission "to conduct a comprehensive study" on the impact of staying on eastern standard time versus Atlantic standard time. They're tasked with looking at how such a change might impact everything from trade to public health.

The commission must be appointed and convene its first meeting by Oct. 1. Members are tasked with reporting back in full by March 31, 2017. Those results then go to committee, where it could produce a formal proposal to change state law, or simply die.

The idea first grew legs when Quincy resident and health advocate Tom Emswiler published a widely read opinion piece on the issue last fall.

Tell us what you think! Should Massachusetts make the switch? Email alison.bauter@patch.com, or share your opinion in the comments.