AUSTIN- Thursday, State Representative Brooks Landgraf proposed the creation of a new grant program encouraging Texas state agencies, counties, and municipalities to dedicate more of their vehicle fleet to Texas fuel vehicles.

"This innovative grant program uses left-over funds appropriated from the last legislative session for the purpose of incentivizing state and local branches of government to purchase vehicles that utilize the abundant Texas fuels that are produced right here in Texas," Landgraf said. 

Under the program, local governments with a fleet larger than 15 vehicles are eligible for grants. In addition to purchasing vehicles, the grants may also be used to construct fueling stations across the state. According to the proposal, the fuels include natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas. 

AUSTIN- Tuesday, State Representative Brooks Landgraf filed H.B. 2924, the Down Syndrome Parental Information Act. 

The bill will provide valuable medical and scientific-based information to expectant parents regarding Down syndrome, including information addressing physical, developmental, and educational outcomes, and all of the treatment options available to children with Down syndrome.

"Children bring countless blessings into our lives, and we need to ensure parents have access to all the information necessary to help give their children the most fulfilling lives possible," Landgraf said.

Under the new legislation, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) would be required to produce current, evidence-based information that has been reviewed by medical experts from local and national Down syndrome organizations. Medical providers would be required to distribute this information to expectant parents when a prenatal test indicates a probability of a Down syndrome diagnosis, or when their child is diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. 

AUSTIN- Tuesday, Representative Brooks Landgraf hand delivered to LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret.) the head of the Texas Department of Transportation, a copy of a petition with more than 1,400 signatures from Winkler County residents demanding immediate attention to State Highway 302 in Winkler County.

"I hear the concerns and fears of my friends in Winkler County -- this ten mile stretch of highway is one of the most dangerous ten miles in the whole state of Texas, and the road's current poor condition requires immediate attention from TxDOT officials," said Landgraf.

In recent years, the highway between Kermit and Odessa has become increasingly dangerous, with numerous people killed in wrecks on the short stretch of highway each year.

"I very much appreciate Sheriff George Keely's leadership in raising awareness among the community of this problem and the initiative he took to help gather input from across the county on this important issue," Representative Landgraf said.

AUSTIN- Today, Representative Brooks Landgraf co-authored House Joint Resolution (HJR) 61, which protects hunting and fishing as a right under the Texas Constitution.

"As a lifelong sportsman, I am pleased to support this resolution which protects our right to hunt and fish in Texas," said Representative Landgraf.

If HJR 61 passes the House and Senate and is signed by Governor Abbott, voters would be required to approve the amendment in the November 3, 2015 election.

In addition to protecting hunting and fishing as a right under the Texas constitution, HJR 61 also notes that hunting and fishing are preferred methods of managing and controlling wildlife. The proposed amendment would not affect any provision currently in law that relates to trespassing, property rights, or eminent domain.

AUSTIN- Wednesday, Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) had the honor of being appointed to serve on both the House Committee on Energy Resources and the House Committee on Investments and Financial Services.

"I am honored to serve District 81 in the Texas House of Representatives and strongly believe my appointment to the committees on Energy Resources and Investments and Financial Services will benefit our communities and I look forward to working for the betterment of West Texas on these very important committees," said Representative Landgraf.

The House Committee on Energy Resources includes, but is not limited to, the jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the production, regulation, transportation, and development of oil, gas, and other energy resources.

The jurisdiction of the House Committee on Investments and Financial Services includes the oversight of banking and the state banking system; savings and loan associations; and credit unions, among other things.

The 84th Session of the Texas Legislature is underway. Here are some of the issues I’m diligently working on for West Texans:

Budget

This week, the Texas House proposed the first draft of the state budget for the next two years. It focuses on conservative principles and only increases spending by .2 percent from the previous budget, well below the constitutional spending limit. The House plan will be modified to include tax relief so that Texans can keep more of their hard-earned money.

Transportation

We continue to be reminded of the growing dangers that drivers face on West Texas roads. It’s unacceptable for collisions to occur at the alarming rate, and I will continue to prioritize transportation issues. I look forward to working with local governments and the Texas Department of Transportation to make our highway system safer and more reliable.

AUSTIN -- State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R - Odessa) signed on to co-author House Bill 910, which would legalize the licensed open carry of handguns in Texas. Landgraf supports this legislation to protect Texans' Second Amendment rights, while also making Texas communities safer.

"As a life-long Second Amendment advocate and hunter, I'm proud to help co-author this bill," Landgraf said. "In addition to having a constitutional right to bear arms, I believe all law-abiding Texans should have the ability to defend themselves."

If passed into law, House Bill 910 would allow concealed handgun license (CHL) holders to openly carry a holstered handgun. Currently, Texas is one of only six states that prohibit open carry of handguns.

"I have spoken with hundreds of fellow West Texans who have asked for their Second Amendment rights to be protected through an open carry bill," Landgraf explained.

Today, with Shelby by my side, I was honored to stand, with my hand on my Bible, and raise my hand to take the oath of office as your state representative. The tough decisions of the office began immediately today, and they will continue throughout the next 139 days of the legislative session, but I'm honored to be a strong voice that fights for the needs of West Texas in the State Capitol.

AUSTIN- Wednesday, Representative-Elect Brooks Landgraf pre-filed two bills aimed at furthering the opportunity for higher education institutions in West Texas. House Bill 626 and House Bill 625, would finance the construction of necessary buildings at both the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin and the University of Texas Permian Basin.

“Higher education is of vital importance to our region and both the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and University of Texas Permian Basin offer incredible opportunities for our community,” Representative-Elect Landgraf said upon the filing of this landmark legislation.

House Bill 626 authorizes the issuance of $45 million in tuition revenue bonds to fund an engineering building at UTPB. House Bill 625 authorizes the issuance of $17.8 million in tuition revenue bonds to fund construction of a medical education building for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the Permian Basin.