H.R. No. 1658 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Municipal courts provide the citizens of the Lone Star State with a local forum where questions of law and fact can be resolved in regard to alleged violations of state law and municipal ordinances; and WHEREAS, Because citizens come into contact with municipal courts more often than any other type of court, the administration of justice at the municipal level plays a large part in influencing the public's overall impression of the Texas judicial system; and WHEREAS, Judges of the municipal courts function also as magistrates for the State of Texas, and in that role they perform such duties as issuing search and arrest warrants, giving magistrate warnings, and setting bail for offenses ranging from petty theft to murder; and WHEREAS, Pledging to be impartial and to conform to the standards set by the Canons of Judicial Conduct, our state's municipal court employees work diligently to ensure the fair administration of justice while upholding the rigorous standards of professionalism; and WHEREAS, In addition to judges, municipal courts are staffed by clerks, court administrators, prosecutors, juvenile case managers, bailiffs, and warrant officers; these dedicated individuals continually strive to improve court operations by participating in judicial education programs, seminars, workshops, and the annual meetings of their state and local professional organizations; and WHEREAS, Municipal courts in Texas play a vital role in preserving public safety, protecting the quality of life for area residents, and deterring future criminal behavior, and it is indeed fitting to recognize municipal judges and court support personnel for their exemplary dedication to the communities they serve; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby recognize the first week of November in 2019 and 2020 as Municipal Courts Week and commend all those associated with the state's municipal courts for their essential contributions. Guillen ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1658 was adopted by the House on May 24, 2019, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House