83R13131 BPG-D
By: Ratliff H.R. No. 822
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Christopher S. Scott of Carrollton was named a 2012
Texan of the Year by The Dallas Morning News in recognition of his
tireless efforts in behalf of those who have been wrongfully
convicted; and
WHEREAS, In 1997, Mr. Scott was himself the victim of an
erroneous eyewitness identification, the most common cause of false
convictions; he served more than 12 years of a life sentence before
he was exonerated; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Scott, a business owner and father of two, has
now dedicated himself to assisting prisoners with compelling claims
of innocence; he founded a nonprofit organization, House of Renewed
Hope, and obtained a private investigator's license to facilitate
obtaining court records and visiting inmates; working with a team
of fellow exonerees, he not only pursues cases but also engages in
public education, raises funds for services such as DNA testing,
and strongly advocates for reform of the criminal justice system;
in addition, his organization reaches out to newly released
exonerees, offering support for the transition to a new life; and
WHEREAS, Through his selfless endeavors, Christopher Scott
is providing hope to the wrongfully incarcerated and advancing the
cause of social justice, and he is an inspiration to all who know
him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Christopher S. Scott on his
selection as a 2012 Texan of the Year by The Dallas Morning News and
extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success with his
important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Scott as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.