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.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Brian Harrison

Constitutional amendment dissolving Texas's dementia research institute and redirecting $3 billion to school property tax relief instead of medical research.

Filed

#comptrollerofpublicaccounts(v2608) #dementiaprevention&researchinstituteoftexas(u97u1) #educationagency #texas(v9941) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #statefinances--appropriations(i0746) #statefinances--budget(i0747) #statefinances--management&control(i0748) #taxation--schooldistrict(i0785)

Legislative bill overview

HJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment that would dissolve the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and its associated fund, then redirect $3 billion from that fund to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for property tax relief rather than continuing dementia and Alzheimer's research. The remaining funds would theoretically continue supporting dementia-related research, though the mechanism is unclear given the institute's proposed repeal.

Why is this important

This amendment would fundamentally shift $3 billion in dedicated medical research funding toward education property tax relief, representing a significant reallocation of state resources. The proposal directly affects both public health research priorities and K-12 school finance, two major policy areas affecting millions of Texans. Constitutional amendments require voter approval, making this a direct question to Texas residents about spending priorities.

Potential points of contention

Research funding elimination: Dissolving a dedicated dementia research institute removes institutional infrastructure and long-term research commitments, potentially weakening Texas's position in neurodegenerative disease research and losing federal matching grants

Property tax relief trade-off: Using $3 billion for property tax relief is a one-time infusion to school finance rather than sustainable funding, raising questions about whether this solves actual education equity issues or creates future shortfalls

Incomplete fund transfer mechanism: The bill is unclear about how dementia research continues after the institute dissolves, potentially leaving research gaps or creating duplicative bureaucracy