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