SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 578
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize the Travis County Mental Health Public Defender Office
  on the occasion of its 10th anniversary; and
         WHEREAS, The Travis County Mental Health Public Defender
  Office was established in April of 2007 through a grant from the
  Texas Indigent Defense Commission; its mission is to serve the
  needs of persons with mental illness who have found themselves
  caught up in the criminal justice system; and
         WHEREAS, It is the nation's first stand-alone public
  defender's office designed to represent those with mental health
  issues; it is staffed by specially trained attorneys, social
  workers, case workers, and support staff dedicated to providing
  its clients with holistic legal representation and case
  management; and
         WHEREAS, The clients of this outstanding organization are
  those who are indigent, who have been charged with a misdemeanor
  crime, and who have received at least one of several priority
  population diagnoses, including schizophrenia, bipolar
  disorder, major depression, and schizoaffective disorder; and
         WHEREAS, The staff of the Travis County Mental Health
  Public Defender Office work tirelessly to advocate for their
  clients and to ensure that their basic and specialized needs are
  met and their human rights and dignity are preserved and upheld;
  it is truly fitting that this exceptional organization receive
  special recognition; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
  Legislature, hereby commend the staff and management of the
  Travis County Mental Health Public Defender Office on their
  commitment to equal justice and extend to them best wishes for a
  memorable 10th anniversary celebration; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  this exemplary organization as an expression of high regard from
  the Texas Senate.
 
  Watson
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on April 5, 2017.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate