Senate adopts Korean independence and standard-time resolutions; confirms three parole board appointees

The California State Senate on the floor adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 27, honoring the March 1, 1919 Korean independence movement and commemorating the legacy of Yu Gwan-sun, and adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 7, recognizing scientific and medical findings that support permanent standard time for public health. The chamber also confirmed three governor appointments to the Board of Parole Hearings.

SCR 27, introduced on the floor by Senator Choi, passed by roll call with a tally of 37 ayes, 0 noes. The resolution commemorates the centennial-era independence movement known as Samiljeol and recognizes Yu Gwan-sun (often rendered in English as Yu Gwan‑sun) for her role in the March 1 movement. Supporters on the floor said the measure affirms California’s recognition of Korean American history and the state’s longstanding community ties to Korea.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 7, presented by Senator Nilo, passed by roll call with a tally of 23 ayes and 6 noes. The nonbinding resolution summarizes medical and sleep-research associations’ positions that permanent standard time aligns better with circadian health and cites studies linking clock shifts to short-term increases in heart attacks, strokes and motor-vehicle crashes. Senator Nilo described the measure as documenting “the unquestioned health benefits of standard time,” and he and co-authors clarified on the floor that the measure is a resolution — not a statute — and would not itself change federal law. Several senators who spoke urged further legislative work on a statutory path should the Legislature seek to make a permanent change that could require federal approval.

The Senate also confirmed three nominations to the Board of Parole Hearings. The chamber approved the governor’s nominees Julie Garland (file item 3), David Dudim (file item 4), and Emily Sheffield (file item 5) by roll calls that resulted in 34 ayes and 1 no on each confirmation. Each nominee’s background and prior positions were summarized on the floor before the roll calls; no roll-call motions to table or amend the confirmations were recorded.

Votes at a glance: - SCR 27 (Senate Concurrent Resolution 27, recognition of the March 1 Korean independence movement / Yu Gwan-sun Day): approved, Ayes 37, Noes 0. - SCR 7 (Senate Concurrent Resolution 7, recognition of health research favoring permanent standard time): approved, Ayes 23, Noes 6. - Appointment: Julie Garland — confirmed to Board of Parole Hearings (file item 3): confirmed, Ayes 34, Noes 1. - Appointment: David Dudim — confirmed to Board of Parole Hearings (file item 4): confirmed, Ayes 34, Noes 1. - Appointment: Emily Sheffield — confirmed to Board of Parole Hearings (file item 5): confirmed, Ayes 34, Noes 1.

Context and next steps: The two concurrent resolutions are ceremonial and advisory in character; they do not by themselves change state statute or require implementation steps. Lawmakers who favor a statutory approach to make a time change permanent discussed federal preemption and consent issues on the floor — permanent daylight saving time would require federal approval, while permanent standard time can be recognized without the same federal action, according to floor discussion. The confirmed parole board appointees will assume their duties under the Board of Parole Hearings’ existing procedures; no effective dates were specified during the confirmations.

The session included extended ceremonial remarks welcoming foreign consular visitors and community recognitions, which did not carry formal votes. The Senate concluded the session after finishing the listed floor items and announced the next floor session date on the record.