Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas and the Mental Health and Brain Institute Research Fund to provide funding for scientific research of mental health issues and human brain diseases and disorders.
Impact
The amendment, if passed, will lead to the creation of a specialized institute tasked with administering grants to various research entities, including institutions of higher learning and medical research facilities. This will not only enhance the research capabilities within Texas but also increase cooperation among public and private organizations to address complex interrelated health issues. Financial resources from the state's general revenue—specifically a $3 billion transfer scheduled for January 1, 2026—will kickstart this initiative, setting a significant precedent for state-funded health research.
Summary
HJR24 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas together with a dedicated research fund. The intent of this legislation is to provide substantial funding for scientific research focused on various mental health issues, human brain-related diseases, and disorders. It aims to facilitate the discovery and development of effective treatments and prevention strategies against these health challenges, which include substance use disorders, neurological issues, and behavioral health disorders among others.
Contention
Concerns surrounding HJR24 may arise regarding the allocation of funds and potential oversight of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute. Stakeholders may question the expeditious use of the funds, ensuring they are directed towards impactful research initiatives rather than administrative overhead. Additionally, the necessity of long-term commitments and continuous funding beyond the initial transfer might be debated, particularly as this institute could redefine funding priorities in mental health research within Texas.
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 the establishment of the Alternative Mental Health Therapy Research Consortium and to certain plans, programs, and studies related to the provision of those alternative mental health therapies.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.
Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Care Enterprise Fund and the granting of license reciprocity to certain mental health professionals.
Relating to measures to enhance and maintain the quality of state universities, including funding and incentives to support emerging public research universities, to the abolition of the higher education fund, to the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system, to the independent status of Lamar Institute of Technology, to research conducted by public universities and other state entities, and to the authorization of revenue bonds for certain institutions of higher education.