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.