AUSTIN- Tuesday, the Texas Senate officially passed the Down syndrome information act, House Bill 3374. The legislation will now head to Governor Abbott's desk for final approval.
"I am thrilled that this important piece of legislation has successfully passed both the House and Senate this session," Landgraf said. "I have no doubt that parents will be better informed by health care providers following Down syndrome diagnoses, and many precious lives will be saved in the process."
Under the provisions of the bill, medical providers will be required to provide information to expectant parents following a likely diagnosis of Down syndrome. If approved by Governor Abbott, the provisions of the bill will take effect 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.