TITLE: Honoring the Objective Watchers of the Legal System organization for its work in South Texas.

SUMMARY: Honoring the Objective Watchers of the Legal System organization for its work in South Texas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Objective Watchers of the Legal System organization has worked for decades to promote good government; and WHEREAS, O.W.L.S. was founded in the 1970s by a small group of citizens who were concerned for the well-being of women and children whose abuse cases were being handled by the judicial system in Hidalgo County; the group's members sought to learn more about other branches of local government as well, and they began calling public attention to concerns about unfairness, questionable actions, and abuses of power by elected and appointed government officials; and WHEREAS, Members of O.W.L.S. have served as a voice for their fellow South Texas residents, addressing school boards, city commissions and councils, county commissioners courts, regional mobility authorities, and other governmental bodies; moreover, they have also raised issues with the Texas Legislature and with the United States Congress; and WHEREAS, Champions of the ideals enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, the members of the group strive to protect that document's guarantees of personal rights and freedoms and its clear limitations on government power; in addition, they promote transparency and serve as staunch advocates for the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Open Meetings Act; and WHEREAS, Citizen engagement is vital in a democratic society, and the members of O.W.L.S. have set a sterling example for others through their steadfast commitment to responsible and responsive government; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby honor the Objective Watchers of the Legal System organization for its dedicated work in South Texas and extend to the group's members sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Canales President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 67 was adopted by the House on March 21, 2019, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 67 was adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2019, by a viva-voce vote. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor