Governor's State of the State speeches, late 1990s: on Crime

George W. Bush: Track gangs; enact automatic sentencing

An excellent quality of life means safe neighborhoods. So I propose giving law enforcement the tools to fight the menace of gangs: a spotlight program to focus on violent juveniles, a statewide database to track gang activity across Texas and automatic jail time for juveniles who commit crimes with guns. Source: 1999 State of the State Address, Austin TX Jan 27, 1999

Zell Miller: Drunk drivers are criminals and deserve tough punishment

We all know that DUI has been a plague on our streets and highways... that it has caused unnecessary death and bloodshed. DUI criminals -- and that’s what they are, criminals -- can terrorize any one of us at a moment’s notice. It can be prevented. That is why drunk drivers have found no mercy during the Miller Administration. We passed one of the toughest DUI laws in America: Mandatory jail time for drunk drivers. Confiscation of license plates. Source: 1998 Georgia State of the State Address Jan 15, 1998

Zell Miller: Two-strikes law got 1,710 ciminals behind bars

We passed “two-strikes and you’re out.” Thanks to that law, there are 1,710 violent criminals who are locked away in Georgia prisons. Collectively, those 1,710 thugs were responsible for more than 9,800 crimes, including over 4,900 violent crimes. Thanks to the two-strikes law, they are no longer a threat to the law-abiding people of Georgia. Source: 1998 Georgia State of the State Address Jan 15, 1998

George W. Bush: More searches and less parole for criminals

Give police.a law that says to juveniles who have been convicted of a violent crime, “Our police have the right to stop and frisk you to make sure you are not carrying a gun.” Keep violent criminals behind bars longer. Last session, we repealed mandatory release for violent criminals. This session, we should broaden the law to apply to [all] violent criminals and sex offenders, no matter when they were sentenced. I do not believe violent criminals have a constitutional right to get out of jail early. Source: 1997 State of the State Address, Austin TX Jan 28, 1997

George W. Bush: Stop endless delays on death row

Many adult criminals are beyond rehabilitation. It is our obligation to keep them behind bars and away from our schools and our communities. I commend. proposals to stop the endless legal delays for death row inmates. Death row inmates are entitled to a fair hearing, but their appeals must be streamlined so justice is swift and sure. Source: 1995 State of the State Address, Austin TX Feb 7, 1995

George W. Bush: Mandatory sentencing for repeat offenders

Texans have made it clear they want the most violent criminals to serve their full sentences. We must put a stop to the mandatory early release program that lets criminals out even though the parole board says no. Texas must increase penalties for criminals who assault law enforcement officials and give judges and juries more discretion in sentencing criminals. Drug dealers and other repeat offenders should face the prospect of hard prison time if they continue to flaunt the law. Source: 1995 State of the State Address, Austin TX Feb 7, 1995

George W. Bush: End frivolous lawsuits; cap damages

Texas must end the frivolous and junk lawsuits which clog our courts, threaten producers, and delay justice for the deserving.

put a meaningful cap on punitive damages
stop the practice of judge and court shopping
reform joint & several liability
discourage frivolous lawsuits
end double recovery
enact medical malpractice reform
exempt public employees & civic volunteers from being personally sued for good faith actions.

I have declared tort reform an emergency Source: 1995 State of the State Address, Austin TX Feb 7, 1995

The above quotations are from Late 1990s Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for definitions & background information on Crime. Click here for other issues (main summary page). Click here for more quotes by George W. Bush on Crime. Click here for more quotes by Zell Miller on Crime.
*Candidates and political leaders on Crime:*
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Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021