Senate Bill No. 998 proposes the creation of the Alzheimer's Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which will be established as Chapter 101A of the Health and Safety Code. The institute's primary objectives include advancing research on Alzheimer's disease, securing funding through grants, and fostering collaborative research efforts. It will be overseen by a committee that ensures compliance with 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, hire key personnel, and maintain transparency through annual public reports and independent audits.

The bill also introduces new regulations for grant oversight, requiring detailed reporting on the peer review process and establishing a tracking system for grant recipient reports. It emphasizes conflict-of-interest protocols for committee members and employees involved in the grant process, mandating recusal in cases of potential conflicts. Additionally, the bill stipulates that grant recipients must adhere to specific contract terms, including repayment provisions for misused funds and compliance with intellectual property agreements. The effectiveness of the bill is contingent upon voter approval of a constitutional amendment to allocate $3 billion from state general revenue for the institute's operations, with the act set to take effect on December 1, 2025, if approved.

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