R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Every individual, family, and community in America
 1-2     has the right to live free from fear and harm; and
 1-3           WHEREAS, Twenty years ago, victims of crime were afforded few
 1-4     rights, their voices were muted, and limited services were
 1-5     available to provide support and assistance; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, This invisible barrier of silence has crumbled in
 1-7     our halls of justice, in statehouses, and in communities; today
 1-8     thousands of crime victims channel their pain, grief, and
 1-9     frustration into positive forces of change; and
1-10           WHEREAS, The voices of victims offer us important insights
1-11     into the personal pain and loss that victims endure, and these are
1-12     voices that deserve our state's attention and respect; many crime
1-13     victims and survivors serve as volunteers for victim-assistance
1-14     programs, join activist groups to change public policy, and help
1-15     sensitize offenders about the impact of crime on the victim; and
1-16           WHEREAS, Over 30,000 federal and state laws have been passed
1-17     that define and protect the rights of crime victims, and over
1-18     10,000 national, state, and local agencies provide support and
1-19     services to victims of crime; and
1-20           WHEREAS, During the 1999 National Crime Victims' Rights Week
1-21     the powerful voices of victims and those who serve them will be
1-22     commemorated with the theme "Victims' Voices: Silent No More"; and
1-23           WHEREAS, The Honorable George W. Bush, governor of the State
1-24     of Texas, proclaims the week of April 25 through May 1, 1999, to be
 2-1     Crime Victims' Rights Week in Texas; now, therefore, be it
 2-2           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
 2-3     Legislature recognize the valuable contributions made this year,
 2-4     and every year, by crime victims, advocates, elected officials, and
 2-5     criminal justice professionals who diligently promote justice for
 2-6     all.
                                                                     Gallego
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 729 was adopted by the House on April
         26, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House