H.R. No. 311 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The State of Texas suffered a profound loss on 1-2 August 17, 1994, with the passing of Steve Chaney, whose 1-3 distinguished tenure as a policy innovator and chief spokesman for 1-4 the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office led to the passage of 1-5 many progressive reforms in the areas of domestic violence and 1-6 criminal justice at both the state and local levels; and 1-7 WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Chaney was born and raised in 1-8 Fort Worth, where he was graduated from Eastern Hills High School, 1-9 and he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from 1-10 The University of Texas at Arlington in 1965 and a law degree from 1-11 The University of Texas at Austin in 1968; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Following a three-year tour of duty in the Marine 1-13 Corps, in which he attained the rank of captain, he returned to 1-14 Fort Worth where he engaged in the private practice of law until he 1-15 accepted a position with the district attorney's office in 1972; 1-16 and 1-17 WHEREAS, For more than two decades, Mr. Chaney discharged his 1-18 duties with characteristic integrity and distinction in a number of 1-19 demanding positions, serving as a felony prosecutor, court chief, 1-20 and trial section chief before being named senior staff attorney; 1-21 and 1-22 WHEREAS, In this position, he served as the office's 1-23 administrative and legislative expert, in which capacity he offered 1-24 strong leadership on a multitude of important issues facing our 2-1 state; a leading advocate for the rights of women and children, he 2-2 helped to found the county's specialized Crimes Against Children 2-3 Unit and played a pivotal role in the passage of legislation that 2-4 authorized the videotaped testimony of abused children so they 2-5 would no longer have to personally appear in court; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Mr. Chaney also demonstrated his commitment and 2-7 compassion as an active volunteer in behalf of Women's Haven, the 2-8 Rape Crisis Center, the Assessment Center, and the Alliance for 2-9 Children; he served as a member of the board of trustees of Texas 2-10 Wesleyan University as well and had been of immeasurable assistance 2-11 to the school in its pursuit of provisional accreditation; and 2-12 WHEREAS, Despite his demanding schedule, Mr. Chaney was above 2-13 all else a devoted family man who enjoyed a happy and rewarding 2-14 marriage with his wife of 26 years, Karen, and was the proud father 2-15 of three sons, Matthew, Mark, and Michael; and 2-16 WHEREAS, In all aspects of his life, Steve Chaney 2-17 demonstrated unfailing wisdom, graciousness, and dedication to that 2-18 which he knew to be right; though his presence will be deeply 2-19 missed by all who were privileged to know him, the memory of this 2-20 remarkable gentleman will surely live on through the wealth of 2-21 valuable contributions he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it 2-22 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-23 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Steve Chaney and 2-24 extend deepest sympathy to his wife, Karen Sue Chaney, to his sons, 2-25 Matthew, Mark, and Michael Chaney, and to the many other friends 2-26 and relatives of this fine man; and, be it further 2-27 RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared 3-1 for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of 3-2 Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Steve 3-3 Chaney.