R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The untimely passing of Joel "Joey" Jesus Martinez 1-2 of La Joya, at the age of 16, brought an irreplaceable loss to the 1-3 family and many friends of this esteemed young man, and it is most 1-4 appropriate that we honor his memory at this time; and 1-5 WHEREAS, An outstanding athlete at La Joya High School, 1-6 Mr. Martinez was the victim of an alcohol-related accident on 1-7 February 14, 1996, in McAllen; and 1-8 WHEREAS, He was the inspiration for "Joey's Law," or House 1-9 Bill 870, which was created to reduce the incidence of teenage 1-10 drinking in Mexico by Texas youths who then return across the 1-11 border; passed by the 75th Texas Legislature, the law permits 1-12 United States Customs Service agents, Immigration and 1-13 Naturalization Service agents, and Border Patrol officers to detain 1-14 drivers they suspect are intoxicated, then transfer them to local 1-15 law enforcement for processing; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Mr. Martinez was known for his gentle spirit and his 1-17 quick smile; during his short time here, he reminded us that the 1-18 ability to give and inspire love is not limited by age or time; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Although it is painful to say good-bye to one so 1-20 young and full of promise, it is fitting to remember that while 1-21 Mr. Martinez's time here was all too brief, his life profoundly 1-22 affected those around him, and he will long be remembered as a 1-23 young man of honor and integrity by the many people who knew and 1-24 admired him; now, therefore, be it 2-1 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-2 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life and legacy of Joel 2-3 "Joey" Jesus Martinez and extend deepest sympathy to his many loved 2-4 ones; and, be it further 2-5 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-6 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-7 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 2-8 Joel "Joey" Jesus Martinez. Gutierrez _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 309 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 23, 1999. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House