NWSCA
| Northwest Security Coordinators Online Newsletter |
Volume 10 Issue 1 - February 1999
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Opportunity for Revision In Criminal
Code During 99 Session
Annette Baldwin
“There ought to be a law.” We’ve all heard
this innumerable times. The fact is, there can be a law.... if citizens
are willing to take the time to communicate with their State Representatives
and Senators about the need for revision in the existing criminal code.
Complaints we have heard range from the laxity of the
juvenile justice system to the publication of information on sexual offenders
who are released on probation into our communities. Many, many issues
are of concern to our citizens in the area of Texas Criminal Code.
The most common area of complaint is the juvenile justice
system. Youths who do not receive early intervention will undoubtedly
continue to “push the envelope,” soaking up precious resources while their
offenses escalate from status violations to serious felonies.
This is the time for those of us who are involved closely
with law enforcement issues to poll our neighbors, subdivision residents,
church members, school organizations, and others to discuss areas of mutual
concern. Serious focus groups are probably in order on some of these
issues. Consensus should be reached regarding the problem.
Possible solutions can also be discussed.
Then, it is time for action. In this issue you
will find information on accessing the pending legislation via the internet.
If you do not know who your State Representative and State Senator are,
you can get this information quickly through the League of Women Voters
at 713-784-2923.
Each member of your group needs to send a letter or e-mail
to your Representative regarding the specific issues which you want to
be addressed in this session. By accessing the bills which have been
submitted via the internet, you will have information on the bill number,
sponsor and status. Reference this in your letter.
Keep your letter short and to the point. Legislators
are very busy this time and do not have the time to read rambling communications.
Finally, suggest to your legislator that your group and others with similar
interests would like to meet with him or her before this bill is debated
by the committee. If your legislator is on the committee which is
reviewing the bill for floor debate, you definitely want to emphasize your
interest in the bill and the serious need for a meeting about its contents
and possible modification which will enable the bill to be more useful
once it becomes law.
Finally, follow the bill closely. Check on its
status on a weekly basis. Continue to communicate with your Representative
and Senator regarding this bill. If necessary, take a group to Austin
to testify before the committee which is reviewing the bill. Look
for other viable groups who support the change in the law which you are
advocating. Talk with their active members. The strength of
numbers is a political reality in Austin.
Those who do not participate in this process have no
one to blame but themselves when the law continues to fail the citizens.
Those who do participate will, in all probability, have tremendous impact
on the legislative process. If your legislator fails to take your
group seriously, there are still others in the Texas House and Senate who
may join your efforts. Failure by your legislator to listen to constituents
is a serious issue which should be addressed in the next election.
Once every two years we, the people, have an opportunity
to convert our experiences and needs into law. This is one of the
few tools which we have at our disposal to improve the quality of life
for ourselves, our families, and our communities. Take advantage
of this window of opportunity. |
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