Relating to the creation of the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Impact
If passed, this bill will lead to the establishment of a dedicated Institute within Texas, specifically tasked with advancing Alzheimer's research. This includes awarding grants up to $300 million per fiscal year, with a focus on attracting research capabilities from higher education institutions and public or private entities. The existence of the Institute is contingent upon a constitutional amendment that would facilitate the allocation of $3 billion in state funding to support its initiatives. Therefore, its successful implementation is expected to spur significant advancements in medical research and preventive strategies against Alzheimer's disease.
Summary
SB998, relating to the creation of the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, aims to enhance research on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders while fostering significant health improvements for Texas residents. The bill establishes the Institute, which will be responsible for managing grant funding, developing a state research plan, and facilitating collaboration between various institutions dedicated to Alzheimer's research. This initiative is set against a backdrop of rising Alzheimer's cases, and the proponents are advocating for increased research capabilities and innovative solutions in addressing the disease.
Contention
There is potential for contention surrounding the funding and governance structures established by the bill. Specifically, the oversight committee's authority to allocate grants may raise concerns regarding equitable access to funding, as some academic and research institutions may be favored over others. Additionally, adherence to conflict of interest regulations for committee members tasked with grant distribution may be scrutinized closely. Critics may argue that without rigorous guidelines, the potential for misallocation of funds could undermine the bill's foundational purpose of enhancing Alzheimer's research and prevention.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 572. Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards Of Conduct, And Conflict Of Interest
Section: New Section
Health And Safety Code
Chapter 101. Texas Council On Alzheimer's Disease And Related Disorders
Section: New Section
Education Code
Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
Enabling for
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders in this state, and transferring state general revenue to that fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas and establishing the Mental Health and Brain Institute Research Fund for the purposes of scientific research of all forms of mental health and human brain disease and disorders.
Relating to prohibitions on the use of grant money awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to procure or obtain organs from a hospital located in China.
Relating to measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the border region of this state, including protection from ongoing criminal activity and public health threats and the establishment of the Border Protection Unit; creating a criminal offense; creating a civil penalty.