83R9233 NEB-D
 
  By: Kolkhorst H.R. No. 458
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Members of the Sheriffs' Association of Texas, one
  of the nation's oldest law enforcement organizations, are gathering
  in Austin on February 19, 2013, to participate in Sheriffs'
  Association of Texas Day at the Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, The Texas Constitution created the office of sheriff
  in each county of the state; legislation requires that a sheriff
  conserve peace and enforce the criminal laws of the state;
  moreover, the sheriff is responsible for the county jail, bail
  bonds, civil process, and the security of the courts, and in some
  smaller counties, the sheriff may also act as the tax collector; and
         WHEREAS, The first meeting of the Sheriffs' Association of
  Texas took place on August 14, 1874; association members adopted
  their preamble calling for sheriffs to assist one another in the
  execution of laws, in the discharge of their duties against
  criminals, and in the protection of the citizens in their
  respective counties and throughout the state; the group has
  continued to follow the dictates of this mission to this day; and
         WHEREAS, The office of sheriff is one of the oldest forms of
  law enforcement; sheriffs in our state's 254 counties are elected
  to four-year terms, and each sheriff is a member of the Sheriffs'
  Association of Texas; in addition, more than 2,700 individuals are
  active members of the group, and over 40,000 individuals are
  associate members; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize February 19, 2013, as Sheriffs'
  Association of Texas Day at the Capitol and commend the members of
  the Sheriffs' Association of Texas for their many contributions to
  our state; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the association as an expression of high regard by the
  Texas House of Representatives.