By Gallego                                             H.R. No. 729
         Line and page numbers may not match official copy.
         Bill not drafted by TLC or Senate E&E.
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, Every individual, family and community in America
 1-2     have 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 state houses and in communities; today
 1-8     thousands of crime victims channel their pain, grief and
 1-9     frustration into positive forces of change;
1-10           WHEREAS, The voices of victims offer us important insights
1-11     into the personal pain and loss that victims endure, and are voices
1-12     that deserve our state's attention and respect; many crime victims
1-13     and survivors serve as volunteers for victim-assistance programs,
1-14     join activist groups to change public policy, and help sensitize
1-15     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 10,000
1-18     national, state and local agencies providing support and services
1-19     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
 2-1           WHEREAS, The Honorable George W. Bush, Governor of the State
 2-2     of Texas, proclaims the week of April 25th through May 1st, 1999 to
 2-3     be Crime Victims' Rights Week in Texas; now therefore, be it
 2-4           RESOLVED, That the Texas House of Representatives recognize
 2-5     the valuable contributions made this year, and every year, by crime
 2-6     victims, advocates, elected officials and criminal justice
 2-7     professionals who diligently promote justice for all.