| |
| |
|
|
SENATE RESOLUTION
|
|
|
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to |
|
|
recognize Kelvin Bass, who is retiring as senior legislative aide |
|
|
and press secretary to State Senator Royce West after 25 years of |
|
|
outstanding service to the people of Texas; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Since joining Senator West's office in November |
|
|
of 1999, Mr. Bass has served as a trusted advisor and policy |
|
|
analyst providing expertise on a wide range of issues including |
|
|
criminal justice, public safety, and transportation; his work |
|
|
has played a vital role in the development of sound, |
|
|
forward-thinking public policy in the Texas Legislature; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, A trailblazer in criminal justice policy, |
|
|
Mr. Bass helped shape and advance numerous legislative |
|
|
initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Texans; among his |
|
|
most impactful contributions are measures expanding access to |
|
|
record-clearing opportunities for individuals with dismissed or |
|
|
non-indicted charges, reforms to the handling of identity misuse |
|
|
in criminal cases, and policy improvements to support those who |
|
|
have been wrongfully convicted; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Mr. Bass was instrumental in crafting |
|
|
legislation that led to the adoption of Texas' statewide |
|
|
body-worn camera law, and he helped develop guidelines for law |
|
|
enforcement and driver interactions that are now included in the |
|
|
Community Safety Education Act; his work also resulted in |
|
|
practical reforms that modernized the state's vehicle inspection |
|
|
and registration process, improved the accuracy of insurance |
|
|
verification during traffic stops, and eliminated paper |
|
|
temporary license plates in favor of a more secure system; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Mr. Bass collaborated |
|
|
closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, and community |
|
|
stakeholders to draft meaningful legislation that balanced |
|
|
justice, public services, and civil liberties; he served as a |
|
|
liaison to the media to clearly communicate legislative goals and |
|
|
priorities to the public, and his insight and professionalism |
|
|
earned him the respect of colleagues in both chambers and across |
|
|
political lines; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Kelvin Bass has been a powerful advocate for |
|
|
justice, equity, and transparency in public policy; his |
|
|
professional legacy is defined by his diligent leadership and |
|
|
principled commitment to service, and his deep understanding of |
|
|
the legislative process has improved lives, protected civil |
|
|
rights, and modernized public policy across Texas; now, |
|
|
therefore, be it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th |
|
|
Legislature, hereby commend Kelvin Bass on his distinguished |
|
|
career and service to the Lone Star State and extend to him best |
|
|
wishes for the future; and, be it further |
|
|
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
|
|
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. |