Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR3

Filed
2/20/25  
Out of Senate Committee
2/28/25  
Voted on by Senate
3/5/25  
Out of House Committee
4/9/25  
Voted on by House
4/28/25  

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue.

Impact

If enacted, SJR3 will significantly impact state laws by allocating substantial financial resources toward the development of research infrastructure focused on neurological diseases. This fund would allow for grants to institutions involved in critical research and development efforts tailored to improve care and treatment options for individuals affected by dementia. The ongoing support for such initiatives is intended to elevate Texas's stature within the national landscape of medical research, potentially leading to innovative breakthroughs in treatment methodologies.

Summary

SJR3 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. This institute will be funded to address and research dementia and related disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The proposal aims to improve funding mechanisms for scientific research dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of these conditions. The amendment entails the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to the newly established Dementia Prevention and Research Fund, aiming to bolster advanced research initiatives and facilities across Texas.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SJR3 has been predominantly positive, with strong bipartisan support evident in its voting history; it passed the Senate with a vote of 29 to 2 and the House with a notable 123 to 21. Legislators are keen to address the growing concern of neurological disorders arising from an aging population. However, some concerns have been raised about the long-term sustainability of funding and the need for accountability measures regarding the use of these funds.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the scale of the financial commitment and the timing of the transfer of funds from the general revenue. Critics may argue that an allocation of $3 billion could impact other essential services if not managed properly. Additionally, the establishment of the institute raises questions about governance and oversight to ensure that the funds are effectively utilized for their intended purpose—research and services for individuals affected by these debilitating diseases.

Companion Bills

TX HJR3

Very Similar Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue.

TX SB5

Enabled by Relating to the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR135

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.

TX HB15

Relating to the creation of the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas.

TX HB568

Relating to education and training for peace officers on interacting with persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

TX SB443

Relating to education and training for peace officers on interacting with persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

TX SJR49

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.

TX SB19

Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.

TX HJR27

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

TX HB1463

Relating to a state plan and requirements for nursing facilities and related institutions that provide care and treatment for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

TX HB3914

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.

TX HJR189

Proposing a constitutional amendment reducing The University of Texas System's share of the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund, transferring to the national research university fund and general revenue fund a portion of the annual distribution made from the permanent university fund to the available university fund, appropriating the portion transferred to the national research university fund, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

TX SB5

Relating to the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

TX HJR25

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the repeal of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring from that fund $3 billion to Texas Education Agency for property tax relief.

TX HB179

Relating to the repeal of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

OK HB2747

Alzheimer's and dementia disease; creating the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Infrastructure Act; definitions; creating the Dementia Caregiver Support Group and Education Program Development Fund; effective date.

OK HB2747

Alzheimer's and dementia disease; creating the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Infrastructure Act; definitions; creating the Dementia Caregiver Support Group and Education Program Development Fund; effective date.

MI HB4016

Holidays: other; "Huntington's Disease Awareness Month"; designate as the month of May of each year. Creates new act.

MI HB5963

Holidays: other; "Huntington's Disease Awareness Month"; designate as the month of May of each year. Creates new act.

OK HR1020

Resolution; Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week.