Austin, TX – Legislation by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles for food truck owners across Texas has cleared both chambers of the Texas Legislature and is now headed to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk to be signed into law.

House Bill 2844 creates a single, statewide health permit for food trucks issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This new system replaces the confusing patchwork of local health permits and duplicative inspections that currently burden mobile food vendors operating in multiple jurisdictions.

“Food truck owners shouldn’t have to jump through a different set of hoops every time they cross a city limit,” Landgraf said. “This bill provides a consistent, statewide framework for health permitting—cutting red tape while keeping food safety standards strong.”

HB 2844 ensures that mobile food vendors are held to uniform, high health standards without being subjected to redundant local regulations. At the same time, the bill preserves local control by allowing cities to continue enforcing rules on where, when, and how food trucks operate—such as zoning restrictions, hours of operation, and proximity to events or schools.

“This is a big win for Texas small business owners, especially the hard-working entrepreneurs running food trucks in our communities,” Landgraf said. “Instead of spending thousands of dollars on repetitive permits and unnecessary fees, food truck owners will be able to reinvest that money into growing their business—upgrading equipment, hiring more staff, and expanding their operations.”

Landgraf filed the Food Truck Freedom bill at the request of several food truck operators in Odessa and Monahans. State Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) sponsored the bill in the Senate. 

The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, following the creation of the statewide permit by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Austin, TX – Representative Brooks Landgraf is celebrating the passage of House Bill 2, a landmark piece of legislation that secures the largest investment in public education in Texas history.

The bill, which passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature today and is now headed to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for signature, represents a historic $8.5 billion investment in Texas classrooms. This transformative funding will increase the state’s average annual funding per student to nearly $17,000. Key provisions include $4.2 billion for teacher and staff pay raises, $2.2 billion for special education enhancements, and $1.3 billion to help school districts manage rising operational costs.

“HB 2 represents an unprecedented commitment to our children’s futures,” said Representative Landgraf. “This investment I was proud to fight for prioritizes our teachers, students, and classrooms in a way we’ve never seen before. It will ensure that every school has the resources and support necessary for all students to succeed.”

Additionally, Representative Landgraf has been appointed to the conference committee for House Bill 4, which aims to replace the STAAR exam with a more balanced and growth-focused assessment system. The committee will work to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.

“As a member of the conference committee, I will fight to preserve the integrity and original intent of House Bill 4,” Landgraf said. “We must ensure this bill remains focused on reducing the burden of high-stakes testing and moving toward a system centered on continuous learning and real-time feedback, which is essential for our students’ success.”

With the 89th Legislative Session set to conclude on June 2nd, Representative Landgraf’s leadership continues to be pivotal in advancing policies that strengthen and improve Texas’ education system.

Austin, TX – State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) announced the initial passage of Senate Bill 4 in the Texas House of Representatives, a measure he proudly co-sponsored to deliver a substantial property tax cut for Texas homeowners.

SB 4 increases the school district homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, delivering substantial tax savings to millions of Texans. The bill also ensures public schools will not suffer any funding losses as a result of the increased exemption.

“We’re putting money back into the pockets of hardworking families, seniors on fixed incomes, and first-time homebuyers—without taking a single dollar away from our classrooms,” Landgraf said. 

Under SB 4, school districts will receive additional state aid to fully offset any reduction in local property tax revenue. State funding will fully backfill school district revenue to ensure teachers, students, and academic programs remain fully supported under the state’s public school finance system.

“I was proud to help get this bill across the finish line in the House,” Landgraf added. “Texans deserve to keep more of what they earn, and this is a measure that will allow Texas taxpayers to keep more money than they otherwise would.”

SB 4 is expected to receive final House approval tomorrow. The increased exemption would take effect in the 2025 tax year, pending voter approval on the November ballot

Austin, TX – A bill by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to cut red tape for food truck owners and operators across Texas has passed the Texas House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support and is now headed to the Texas Senate.

House Bill 2844, the “Mobile Food Vendor Regulatory Consistency Act,” streamlines the permitting process for food trucks by establishing a single, statewide license—replacing the current patchwork of local permits and duplicate fees that hinder small business growth.

“Texas is a place where entrepreneurs should thrive, not get buried under layers of red tape,” Landgraf said. “This bill cuts through the bureaucracy and makes it easier for hard-working Texans to grow their businesses, provide for their families, and serve their communities.”

Under HB 2844, food truck owners will no longer have to navigate different health permitting and inspection requirements in every city they operate. Instead, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will issue a uniform license that allows mobile food vendors to operate statewide. The bill maintains rigorous food safety standards while preventing costly and duplicative local regulations.

Importantly, HB 2844 does not interfere with a city’s ability to enforce local rules regarding where and when food trucks can operate. Municipalities would retain full authority to adopt and enforce time, place, and manner restrictions to ensure compatibility with local needs and conditions.

“This is a win for small businesses, a win for public health, and a win for common sense,” Landgraf added. “I'm grateful that food truck owners in Odessa pitched the idea to me, and to have good feedback from local leaders like Councilman Craig Stoker in fine-tuning the bill.”

With House approval secured, HB 2844 now moves to the Texas Senate for consideration.

Austin, TX – State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) today announced the Texas House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed House Bill 4, a significant reform to eliminate the STAAR exam and overhaul the state’s public school accountability system. As a co-author, Landgraf has been a key advocate for these changes.

“Today marks a monumental step forward for Texas students, parents, and educators,” said Landgraf. “The STAAR exam has long been a source of stress, taking time away from meaningful learning. House Bill 4 replaces this outdated system with an assessment program focused on student growth, not just a single, high-stakes test.”

House Bill 4 replaces the STAAR exam with shorter nationally norm-referenced tests administered three times each year to track student progress. This new approach provides timely, actionable feedback for educators, students, and parents, reducing classroom disruptions and allowing for more effective instruction.

“This bill is a win for teachers, who will now have the tools to support their students without the burden of a high-stakes test, and for students, who can now focus on learning instead of test preparation,” Landgraf added.

In addition to testing reform, the bill introduces clearer performance metrics and enhances transparency, giving parents greater visibility into their schools’ performance. It also grants school districts more flexibility by adding new indicators for student engagement and workforce development to ensure a fairer and more transparent accountability system.

Landgraf co-authored the bill with State Representative Brad Buckley (R-Salado). House Bill 4 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Austin, TX – A bill authored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to protect Texas families from the dangers posed by fly-by-night chemical container storage operations has passed the Texas House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. The measure now heads to the Texas Senate for consideration.

House Bill 3866 was filed in response to the July 2024 Permian Basin Container (PBC) fire in northern Ector County, where a chemical container storage facility that set up operations in an existing residential neighborhood caught fire and released hazardous smoke into the surrounding area. The incident led to groundwater contamination and required a broad emergency response from local and state officials.

“I’m proud to report that HB 3866 has passed the House with strong bipartisan backing,” Landgraf said. “This is a community-driven effort to ensure that what happened during the PBC fire doesn’t happen again—anywhere in Texas.”

House Bill 3866 sets new safety standards on large-scale facilities that collect and recondition chemical containers. The bill prohibits these facilities from operating within 2,000 feet of existing private homes. It also establishes a registration system through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and routine periodic inspections.

Austin, TX – Legislation authored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) to provide death investigation professionals with critical workplace protections and benefits has unanimously passed the Texas House of Representatives and is now headed to the Senate for consideration.

House Bill 1306 ensures that medical examiners, justices of the peace, and certified death investigators are eligible for the same types of support currently available to first responders. This includes coverage for medical expenses related to exposure to contagious diseases, access to preventive immunizations, prompt medical care for work-related injuries, and line-of-duty death benefits for their families.

The legislation was filed in response to a request from Ector County’s Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Carl Rogers, who highlighted the lack of protections for professionals in his field despite their critical role in emergency response and public health.

“Medical examiners and death coroners respond to some of the most difficult and hazardous scenes—often right alongside law enforcement and EMS personnel,” Landgraf said. “They face similar risks, including exposure to infectious disease, yet don’t receive the same protections. House Bill 1306 helps correct that.”

Landgraf noted that providing these benefits is essential to keeping these critical positions staffed and supported, especially in rural and underserved areas.

“It’s simply unreasonable to ask them to take on these risks without ensuring they and their families are taken care of,” Landgraf added. “This bill is about fairness, safety, and respect for those who do some of the toughest jobs in our public safety system.”

Austin, TX – Legislation authored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) and sponsored by State Senator Kevin Sparks (R-Midland) to honor the life and service of fallen Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez has officially passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature and is now headed to the governor’s desk.

House Bill 1708 designates a 23-mile section of State Highway 302 near Notrees in Ector County as the Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez Memorial Highway.

“Trooper Ramirez Vasquez was a true public servant—dedicated, selfless, and courageous,” Landgraf said. “He gave his life in the line of duty protecting his fellow Texans. This highway designation is a lasting tribute to his sacrifice and a way for us to honor his life for generations to come.”

Trooper Ramirez Vasquez was critically injured on September 17, 2024, while investigating a crash on Highway 302. He tragically succumbed to his injuries on September 28. The driver responsible for his death is facing criminal charges.

“We can never fully repay the debt we owe Trooper Ramirez Vasquez and his family,” Landgraf added. “But we can ensure his heroism is never forgotten, and that his name lives on in the region he served so faithfully.”

Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett was also helpful by signing a letter of support for the memorial highway. Landgraf will now work with West Texans to raise private funds to pay for the memorial highway signage so that this designation will come at no expense to Texas taxpayers.

Austin, TX – State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) is urging the Texas Education Agency to release End-of-Course (EOC) exam results early for students in the Ector County Independent School District (ECISD), to ensure eligible seniors are not blocked from walking the stage at their graduation ceremonies.

In a formal letter to Commissioner Mike Morath, Landgraf requested that ECISD receive its scores by May 21, 2025—two days ahead of the statewide release date. Without early access to scores, many seniors and early-graduating juniors could be left out of ceremonies scheduled before May 23, including Permian High School’s graduation on May 22.

“These students have done everything required of them—completed their coursework, passed their classes, and earned the right to graduate,” Landgraf said. “They shouldn't miss this moment because of a bureaucratic delay.”

Landgraf stressed that graduation is a major milestone for students, families, and the entire community, and that the state should do its part to make sure every qualified student can participate.

“I strongly urge the agency to approve ECISD’s request,” Landgraf added. “I am fighting to make sure these students get the recognition they’ve worked so hard to earn.”

Austin, TX – State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) announced Saturday that the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill aiming to outlaw “golden parachutes” for government employees.

House Bill 762 prohibits cities, counties and other government entities from making any severance payments to a government employee who is terminated due to misconduct, gross mismanagement, fraud, or violation of law.

Additionally, the bill bans local governments from entering into a contract with an employee that would give the government employee a golden parachute, which is an excessive payout upon termination.

Specifically, HB 762 caps severance payments at no more than 38% of one year’s salary. As an added transparency measure, the bill would also require that any severance agreement be posted online for all taxpayers to see.

“This legislation is about restoring trust in local government and protecting the hardworking taxpayers of Texas,” Landgraf added. “No public official who violates the public’s trust should walk away with a golden parachute on the taxpayers’ dime.”

Filed by Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Allen) and jointly authored by Landgraf, House Bill 762 now heads to the Texas Senate for consideration.