By Coleman H.R. No. 983 76R16092 BE-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, U.S. Representative Ken Bentsen has demonstrated 1-2 exemplary leadership in his efforts to preserve the Texas homestead 1-3 exemption against federal reform, and his actions indeed merit 1-4 special legislative recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, The Texas homestead law, which exempts a Lone Star 1-6 resident's homestead in the event of bankruptcy and places no 1-7 monetary restrictions on that property is central to values that 1-8 Texans hold dear and has a colorful and significant history in this 1-9 state; Sam Houston, one of the original heroes of the Republic of 1-10 Texas, was a strong proponent of including the law within the 1-11 constitution; he had personal experience with bankruptcy and was 1-12 committed to sparing future Texans the devastation of losing their 1-13 homes; and 1-14 WHEREAS, Provisions in the federal Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1-15 1999, H.R. 833, would supersede the Texas Constitution and our 1-16 state's homestead exemption by capping the amount of equity 1-17 protected in a bankruptcy proceeding; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Recognizing that this issue should best be left to 1-19 the states, Congressman Bentsen introduced two successful 1-20 amendments to H.R. 833, one delaying the effective date of the 1-21 legislation and the other including language that would allow 1-22 states to opt out of the new homestead cap; and 1-23 WHEREAS, The Texas Homestead Law is a fundamental part of the 1-24 Texas Constitution, protecting homeowners from the forced sale of 2-1 their home for debt payment; in light of Representative Bentsen's 2-2 important efforts, it is justly fitting to honor him at this time; 2-3 now, therefore, be it 2-4 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-5 Legislature hereby commend U.S. Representative Ken Bentsen for his 2-6 determined work in protecting the integrity of the Texas 2-7 Constitution and the rights of Lone Star citizens by preserving the 2-8 Texas homestead exemption; and, be it further 2-9 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-10 prepared for Congressman Bentsen as an expression of highest 2-11 regard by the Texas House of Representatives.