TITLE: Recognizing Nathan L. Hecht for 30 years of service on the Texas Supreme Court.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Nathan L. Hecht for 30 years of service on the Texas Supreme Court.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht for 30 years of distinguished service on the Texas Supreme Court; and WHEREAS, The longest-serving supreme court justice in Texas history, Chief Justice Hecht ascended to Place 6 on the state's highest court on January 1, 1989, and he has presided as the 27th chief justice since October of 2013; and WHEREAS, During his three decades of judicial leadership, Justice Hecht has reshaped Texas courts to be more conservative in addressing civil litigation and more progressive in matters relating to social justice, yet his influence extends well beyond jurisprudence; and WHEREAS, The esteemed justice is noted for pioneering new paths for court efficiency, modernizing rules and procedure, advocating affordable legal services for those whose access is restricted, and actively challenging unconscious bias in the courts to improve public trust; and WHEREAS, Chief Justice Hecht was the first registered Republican to be elected to the Texas Supreme Court since the Reconstruction Era, and many legal historians agree that no single jurist has had more influence on the Texas legal system; his landmark opinions have been referenced in courts throughout the nation, and his continued leadership will benefit citizens for generations to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby commend Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht on his 30th anniversary as a Texas Supreme Court justice and extend to him best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Zaffirini, Buckingham, Campbell, Creighton, Huffman, Schwertner, Watson Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 16, 2019.