Opportunity to Vote on the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas

The Texas Legislature’s 89^th legislative session included the creation and the funding for the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (“Institute”). While the bill passed the Texas House and Senate and was signed by the governor, voters have the final say on whether or not this Institute will be created and $3 billion designated for funding this initiative.

The Institute exists to “create and expedite innovation in research…and enhance the research superiority of this state regarding dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders” by designating $3 billion in available grant funds. The funds provide grants to research facilities, learning institutions, and others for research (whether translational research or clinical research), the development of therapies, including pharmaceuticals and procedures, and for prevention programs. Finally, the grants provide funds for facilities, equipment and other costs that may be required for such work.

Fortunately, Texas is well-suited to lead this effort. Texas leads the nation with the most Tier One-designated research universities, as designated by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.[1] Sixteen Texas universities hold Tier One research designation and in comparison, California is home to 14 Tier One research universities, and New York has 12. With exceptional hospitals, labs, and research facilities in place across the state, communities also stand to benefit from the infusion of funds as the institute hopes to create “exceptional jobs.”

The details of the bill create a peer review committee and an oversight committee, which shall include physician or scientists “with extensive experience” working with patients afflicted with these diseases as well as their family members. Additionally, it provides for annual reporting requirements from the Institute, including what progress was made throughout the year, which will be disclosed to the public.

Next steps: Voters have the final say. On November 4 (with early voting beginning October 20), Texas voters will have the opportunity to make this Institute a reality (you’ll see it on your ballot as Proposition 14 – SJR3).[2]

[1] https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/13/texas-universities-research-carnegie-foundation/

[2] https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/november-2025-ballot-language-17.pdf