SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 757

WHEREAS, The Honorable Rebecca Simpson retired as judge of Gregg County Court at Law No. 1 on May 2, 2017, concluding a distinguished 18-year tenure on the bench and a career with the county court that has spanned more than three decades; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to the swift and efficient administration of justice, Becky Simpson handled more than 4,000 misdemeanor cases annually, earning her courtroom the nickname "the rocket docket"; nearly half of the defendants qualified for court-appointed legal counsel, and Judge Simpson worked with the Board of Judges to arrange the assignment of four local attorneys to her court, which saved over $200,000 annually in court-appointed lawyer fees; she presided over numerous felony cases as well; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed jurist implemented a mental health docket to help break destructive cycles of petty crime, especially among the homeless, and she was instrumental in the creation of the Veterans Treatment Court; in managing the Child Protective Services docket, she looked out for children's interests by seeking the insights of court-appointed special advocates from East Texas CASA; in addition, she maintained a weekly juvenile docket, and she marshaled a number of local nonprofit groups to assist defendants in pursuing more productive paths in life; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, Judge Simpson was named Outstanding Criminal Justice Judge by Mothers Against Drunk Driving; her many accolades also include a Women of Achievement Award from Zonta Club of Longview; and

WHEREAS, Judge Simpson grew up in Big Sandy; while majoring in criminal justice at The University of Texas at Tyler, she worked full-time as the office manager for the Smith County District Attorney's Office; after graduating from South Texas College of Law in 1984, she joined Gregg County Court at Law No. 1 as an assistant district attorney; and

WHEREAS, A caring, dedicated, and innovative judge, Becky Simpson made a lasting, positive difference in countless lives in Gregg County while setting a high standard of professionalism; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby congratulate the Honorable Rebecca Simpson on her retirement as judge of Gregg County Court at Law No. 1 and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for Judge Simpson as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Hughes

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 10, 2017.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate