S.B. No. 5 establishes the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, aimed at enhancing research and innovation related to dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and similar disorders. The bill introduces Chapter 101A to the Health and Safety Code, detailing the institute's purpose, which includes expediting research, improving health outcomes, and attracting research capabilities through grant awards. The institute will be subject to the Texas Sunset Act, ensuring a review for continuation by September 1, 2035. It outlines the powers and duties of the institute, including the ability to award grants, collaborate with state agencies, and establish oversight standards, while mandating the hiring of a chief executive officer and a chief compliance officer to ensure regulatory adherence.

The bill also introduces the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund, which will be administered by the institute and funded through various sources, including legislative appropriations and grants. It establishes conflict-of-interest regulations for committee members and institute employees involved in grant reviews, requiring adherence to applicable laws and allowing for waivers under exceptional circumstances. Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for investigating unreported conflicts of interest and mandates that grant recipients execute written contracts with stipulations regarding the use of funds. The legislation aims to enhance accountability, ensure proper use of grant funds, and promote local economic engagement through specific purchasing requirements, while also allowing the institute to be eligible for funding from a proposed constitutional amendment for dementia-related research and treatment, contingent upon voter approval.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.955, Education Code 61.003, Government Code 572.003 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51, Government Code 572)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 51.955, Government Code 572.003 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51, Government Code 572)
Engrossed: Education Code 51.955, Government Code 572.003 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51, Government Code 572)
House Committee Report: Education Code 51.955, Government Code 572.003 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51, Government Code 572)
Enrolled: Education Code 51.955, Government Code 572.003 (Education Code 61, Education Code 51, Government Code 572)