(AUSTIN, TX) — State Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) has announced that appropriations have been secured in Senate Bill 1, the General Appropriations Act, to build a new driver license office in Brenham.

In the Department of Public Safety’s bill pattern, Rider 56 on Page V-64 in SB 1 includes “$8,750,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the General Revenue Fund, for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to purchase or construct, furnish, and equip a driver license office located in Brenham, TX. Any unexpended balances as of August 31, 2026, are appropriated for the same purposes for the biennium beginning September 1, 2026.”

“This is something I have been quietly working on since the tragedy of that horrific day in April, 2024. This new office is meant to be built to honor the two lives that were lost in that senseless act of violence and for those who suffered injuries,” said Kolkhorst.

Bobby Huff (78), a resident of Lee County, and Cheryl Turner (63), a native of Washington County, both succumbed to fatal injuries after Clenard Parker intentionally drove a stolen 18- wheeler truck into the building, resulting in these two fatalities and injuring over a dozen other victims.

“I originally submitted the rider for the budget back in March, but never said anything because you never know until the ink dries on the budget if a request like this is going to be funded. I am grateful to my Senate colleagues and to Rep. Trey Wharton for ensuring the money set aside in the Senate would carry forward in the House of Representatives.”

Kolkhorst has been in contact with DPS officials, and they are already in the planning stages for a new facility. DPS will work with the Texas Facilities Commission to determine the location and design of a larger building that will function as a driver license office as well as highway patrol offices.

“We are very grateful to Blinn College for allowing DPS to open and operate a temporary driver license office on their campus,” said Kolkhorst. “It has been a huge help to our community and the surrounding counties.”

DPS will continue providing services at Blinn College until the new facility opens.

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