R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, May 15, 1997, marks the 50th birthday of consultant 1-2 Dianna Loper, and this auspicious occasion is truly worthy of 1-3 special praise and recognition; and 1-4 WHEREAS, A dedicated advocate of mental health care reform, 1-5 Ms. Loper took a courageous stand in behalf of her fellow Texans in 1-6 1993, when she and her colleague Doug Cameron proposed legislation 1-7 to limit the use of electroshock therapy in Texas; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Ms. Loper's opposition to this cruel and barbaric 1-9 form of treatment is rooted in her own experience for, as the 1-10 result of electroshock treatment she received herself in the 1970s, 1-11 she has suffered extensive memory loss and is subject to frequent 1-12 epileptic seizures; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Despite these formidable obstacles, Ms. Loper 1-14 persevered in her efforts to promote this important legislation, 1-15 and as a result of her and Mr. Cameron's efforts, the 73rd Texas 1-16 Legislature enacted the strongest informed consent law for 1-17 electroshock therapy in the nation, which also mandated more 1-18 thorough reporting of the treatment and outlawed it entirely for 1-19 use on children under the age of 17; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Ms. Loper continues to champion similar legislation 1-21 across the country, and she can take pride and satisfaction in her 1-22 pivotal role in bringing about this much-needed reform in the Lone 1-23 Star State; and 1-24 WHEREAS, Dianna Loper has distinguished herself as a 2-1 public-spirited citizen and an eloquent spokesperson on mental 2-2 health issues, and it is indeed fitting on the occasion of her 2-3 birthday to recognize her for her many contributions to the 2-4 well-being of men and women across the Lone Star State; now, 2-5 therefore, be it 2-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-7 Legislature hereby honor Dianna Loper on the occasion of her 50th 2-8 birthday and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued 2-9 success in the future; and, be it further 2-10 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-11 prepared for Ms. Loper as an expression of high regard by the Texas 2-12 House of Representatives. Serna _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 953 was adopted by the House on May 15, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House