SJR144 Summary

• Commends Ms. Karen Smith as the 2011 Legislative Employee of the Year, recognizing one exceptional employee from the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches of state government annually.

• Ms. Smith is an attorney with the Legislative Reference Service who joined in 1994 and has contributed to crafting complex statutes, composing authoritative legal opinions, and serving as Sunset Committee Attorney since 1994.

• She served 12 years as Attorney for the Senate Education Committee, played a key role in codification of local laws and Title 16 (Education Chapter), and is recognized as an eminent authority on Alabama Sunset Law.

• Ms. Smith is a magna cum laude graduate from the University of South Carolina and top fifth graduate of Widener University Law School, with prior experience as an assistant prosecutor in New Jersey and staff attorney for Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Judges.

• The resolution notes her personal qualities as a six-year breast cancer survivor, devoted mother of three daughters, active participant in Relay For Life, and valued member of the legislative community for her knowledge, persistence, and genuine concern for others.