SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 641

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join citizens across the nation in observing the week of April 26 through May 2, 2009, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Texas; and

WHEREAS, Victims of crime received little public support before the United States Congress passed the Victims of Crime Act in 1984, which created the Crime Victims Fund; in honor of the passage of the historic act, the theme for National Crime Victims' Rights Week this year is "25 Years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act"; and

WHEREAS, The Crime Victims Fund is financed by the fines and penalties paid by offenders; the fund has grown from $68 million in 1984 to more than $2 billion and is disbursed to support victim compensation and assistance programs across the nation; and

WHEREAS, The United States Department of Justice will open National Crime Victims' Rights Week with its annual Candlelight Observance Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2009; and

WHEREAS, National Crime Victims' Rights Week is a time to focus attention on crime victims and an occasion to acknowledge the nation's progress in serving them and the many organizations that help them in restoring their lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby recognize the week of April 26 through May 2, 2009, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Texas and encourage the citizens of this state to participate in efforts and events to increase awareness of crime victims and ways to help them; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

Seliger

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 16, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate