Bill Text: TX SR558 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature | Enrolled

Texas Senate Resolution 558 (Prior Session Legislation)

Enrolled

Bill Title: In memory of Billy James Smith.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2017-04-03 - Reported enrolled [SR558 Detail]

Download: Texas-2017-SR558-Enrolled.html


	SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 558


	In Memory
	of
	Billy James Smith

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
	commemorates the life of Billy James Smith; and
	WHEREAS, Billy Smith was an exemplary citizen who was
	widely respected and admired in his community for his courage and
	perseverance in working to reform the Texas Criminal Justice
	System; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Sherman, Mr. Smith was a graduate of
	L. G. Pinkston High School in Dallas and had been a delivery
	driver in the transportation industry; he and his wife, Emily
	Kaye Smith, were blessed with four children and with five
	grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Smith served nearly 20 years of a prison
	sentence for a crime he did not commit, and he was exonerated in
	2006 by DNA evidence; he then dedicated himself to improving the
	criminal justice system in Texas so that others would not face the
	same ordeal; he was a staunch supporter of the Innocence Project of
	Texas and testified on pieces of legislation regarding eyewitness
	identification, electronic recording of interrogations, and the
	Tim Cole Compensation Act; and
	WHEREAS, He was a founding member of the nonprofit
	organization Exonerated Brothers of Texas, and he was in much
	demand as a speaker at police departments, schools, colleges and
	universities, and organizations like the Center for American and
	International Law; his courageous and determined efforts to
	reform and improve the criminal justice system were an
	inspiration to all who knew him; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
	Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
	family of Billy James Smith; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
	his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
	Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
	memory of Billy James Smith.
	West



		________________________________
		President of the Senate

		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on April 3, 2017, by a
		rising vote.



		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate



		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate