SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 455

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Irving Teen Court participants and to welcome them to the State Capitol on April 9, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Teen courts are run by teenagers with the goal of providing continuing education and training for the participants, fostering civic engagement in young people, and reducing juvenile crime; and

WHEREAS, Teen Court programs provide community restitution for teens with Class C misdemeanors, such as traffic or other minor offenses; teenage volunteers run the courts, acting as bailiffs, attorneys, clerks, and jurors; most volunteers are students who hope to study law or are extremely interested in the legislative process; and

WHEREAS, The Irving Teen Court participants are visiting the Supreme Court, the Secretary of State's office, and the State Capitol to learn about the legislative process; these dedicated volunteers perform a valuable service to our communities and to our state and are truly worthy of legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 80th Legislature, hereby welcome Irving Teen Court participants to the Capitol and honor them for their contributions to the State of Texas; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Shapiro

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 12, 2007.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate