SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 721 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Judge J. Manuel Bañales, on his retirement after many years of outstanding service to the state; and WHEREAS, Appointed by Governor Rick Perry in 2007 to serve as presiding judge of the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region, Judge Bañales has served as district judge of the 105th Judicial District Court since 1987; and WHEREAS, Judge Bañales is known for his fairness and impartiality, his thorough knowledge of the law, and his passion for serving the public good; he draws on more than two decades of judicial experience to effectively manage a substantial caseload and ensure prompt trials, and he has presided over numerous high-profile cases; and WHEREAS, Active in professional and community affairs, Judge Bañales is a founding member of the Chicano Bar Association of South Texas and the Mexican American Bar Association of Texas; he has also held positions of leadership with South Texas Substance Abuse Recovery Services, Incorporated; and WHEREAS, Our state has benefited immeasurably from the dedicated service of Judge Bañales; he is admired and respected by his colleagues, and his presence as presiding judge of the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region and as district judge of the 105th Judicial District Court will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend Judge J. Manuel Bañales on his commitment to equal justice under the law and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Lucio ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 6, 2011. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate