AUSTIN- On Friday, the Texas House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 3374, the Down syndrome information act, joint-authored by State Representative Brooks Landgraf. 

"It has been a privilege to work on this critical issue that is very near and dear to my heart," Landgraf said. "Today we are one step closer to ensuring that all parents have access to the information available to them when they receive a diagnosis that indicates their child has Down syndrome."

The bill requires that a medical provider furnish information about treatment options and resources for Down syndrome to expectant parents or new parents following a diagnosis of Down syndrome. 

During the final moments of debate on the bill, Landgraf offered a critical amendment prohibiting the state-produced information from implicitly or explicitly presenting pregnancy termination as an option when a prenatal test indicates that the unborn child has Down syndrome.

"I am proud that the Texas House joined me in supporting this bill that will inform parents and help save the lives of unborn children with Down syndrome," Landgraf said. 

The bill will now move to the Texas Senate for approval. If enacted, the law will become effective on September 1, 2015. 

State Representative Brooks Landgraf was elected in 2014 to serve House District 81, which encompasses Andrews, Ector, Ward, and Winkler Counties. Landgraf resides in Odessa with his wife, Shelby. He works as a cattle rancher and also practices law at the firm of Todd, Barron, Thomason, Hudman & Baxter, P.C. in Odessa. An Eagle Scout, Landgraf also serves on the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance Board of Directors, the Education Foundation Board of Directors, and the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute Advisory Council.