89R15142 DSH-F
By: Hernandez H.R. No. 343
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Hispanic judges from across the state are gathering
in Austin on February 25, 2025, in celebration of Texas Hispanic
Judges' Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, The Hispanic population of Texas is at least 40
percent, yet Hispanic judges account for only 16 percent of the
state's judiciary; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic judges have contributed significantly to
justice across the State of Texas, as exemplified by trailblazers
Reynaldo Garza, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; Pete
Benavides, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; Raul Gonzalez,
Texas Supreme Court; Eva Guzman, Texas Supreme Court; Elsa Alcala,
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals; Linda Yanez, Thirteenth Court of
Appeals; Carlos Cadena, Fourth Court of Appeals; Alma Lopez, Fourth
Court of Appeals; Dori Contreras, Chief, Thirteenth Court of
Appeals; and Elma Salinas Ender, 341st Judicial District Court, to
name a few; and
WHEREAS, In collaboration with the Hispanic Issues Section of
the State Bar of Texas, Hispanic judges formed the first statewide
Hispanic judges' organization with the mission of enhancing
excellence in the profession for current and future Hispanic
judges, promoting diversity, inclusion, and integrity, and
recognizing their contributions to the Texas judicial system; and
WHEREAS, Advancing equal justice under the law is the mission
of all judges, and today the more than 500 Hispanic individuals who
serve on courts throughout the state exemplify the highest
standards of judicial conduct and demonstrate their dedication to
the people of Texas through their public service on and off the
bench; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 25, 2025, as Texas Hispanic
Judges' Day at the State Capitol, commend Hispanic judges of Texas
for their commitment to equal justice under the law, and extend to
all those participating in this event sincere best wishes for a
memorable and enjoyable visit to Austin.