S.B. No. 998 proposes the creation of the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which will be established as Chapter 101A in the Health and Safety Code. The institute's primary objectives include advancing research innovations on Alzheimer's disease, securing research grants, and promoting collaboration among educational institutions. It will operate under the Texas Sunset Act, with a review scheduled for September 1, 2035. The bill outlines the institute's powers, including the ability to award grants, establish oversight standards, and maintain compliance with laws. It mandates the hiring of a chief executive officer and chief compliance officer, requires annual public reporting, and allows the acceptance of gifts and grants, with restrictions on using these funds for employee salaries.

The bill also introduces new regulations for the oversight committee that governs grant awards, emphasizing transparency and accountability. It requires detailed reporting on the peer review process for grants, establishes a tracking system for grant recipient reports, and outlines the responsibilities of the chief compliance officer. Additionally, it sets guidelines for conflict-of-interest disclosures among committee members and employees involved in the grant process, allowing for waivers under exceptional circumstances. The bill emphasizes the importance of prioritizing applications that align with state priorities and mandates compliance evaluations of grant projects. It will take effect on December 1, 2025, pending voter approval of a related constitutional amendment to allocate $3 billion for the institute's funding.

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