The bill establishes the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas, which will be incorporated into the Education Code as Chapter 157. The institute's primary objectives are to promote innovation in mental health and brain research, enhance research capabilities, and foster collaboration among educational institutions and other entities. It will have the authority to award grants for research initiatives focused on mental health issues and brain-related diseases, supported by an oversight committee and a peer review committee. The bill outlines the powers and duties of the institute, including the hiring of key personnel, the establishment of compliance programs, and requirements for public reporting and transparency in grant applications and awards.

Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations regarding conflict of interest for committee members and institute employees involved in grant applications, mandating recusal in cases of professional or financial interests. It establishes a structured grant application process, requiring peer review scoring and prioritization of applications that align with state priorities. Grant recipients will be required to enter into written contracts detailing terms, including repayment conditions for misused funds and the state's rights to collect royalties from resulting intellectual property. The bill emphasizes compliance, transparency, and ethical standards in managing mental health and brain research initiatives, with the act set to take effect on December 1, 2025, contingent upon voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 36.10, Education Code 61.003, Government Code 572.003 (Government Code 572, Education Code 36, Education Code 61)