TITLE: In memory of Billy James Smith.

SUMMARY: In memory of Billy James Smith.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Billy James Smith; and WHEREAS, Billy Smith was an exemplary citizen who was widely respected and admired in his community for his courage and perseverance in working to reform the Texas Criminal Justice System; and WHEREAS, A native of Sherman, Mr. Smith was a graduate of L. G. Pinkston High School in Dallas and had been a delivery driver in the transportation industry; he and his wife, Emily Kaye Smith, were blessed with four children and with five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Mr. Smith served nearly 20 years of a prison sentence for a crime he did not commit, and he was exonerated in 2006 by DNA evidence; he then dedicated himself to improving the criminal justice system in Texas so that others would not face the same ordeal; he was a staunch supporter of the Innocence Project of Texas and testified on pieces of legislation regarding eyewitness identification, electronic recording of interrogations, and the Tim Cole Compensation Act; and WHEREAS, He was a founding member of the nonprofit organization Exonerated Brothers of Texas, and he was in much demand as a speaker at police departments, schools, colleges and universities, and organizations like the Center for American and International Law; his courageous and determined efforts to reform and improve the criminal justice system were an inspiration to all who knew him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Billy James Smith; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Billy James Smith. West President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 3, 2017, by a rising vote.