Bill > HB185

This bill establishes the Mental Health and Brain Research Institute of Texas, a comprehensive state-level research organization dedicated to advancing mental health and brain research. The institute will be governed by a nine-member oversight committee appointed equally by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives. Its primary purposes include creating and expediting innovation in mental health research, attracting research capabilities to Texas institutions, and developing a strategic research plan to foster collaboration between higher education institutions and research partners. The institute will have the power to award grants for research into mental health issues, brain diseases, treatment protocols, and prevention strategies, with a focus on scientific breakthroughs and potential medical advancements. Key provisions include establishing strict conflict of interest rules, creating multiple committees to review and guide research (including a peer review committee and a program integration committee), and setting up a dedicated research fund. The institute will be required to produce annual public reports, undergo independent financial audits, and maintain transparency about its grant-making processes. The bill specifies that no more than $300 million in grants can be awarded in a state fiscal year, with careful guidelines about how grant money can be used, including limitations on indirect costs and facility improvements. The institute's establishment is contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment, with the initial implementation planned for December 1, 2025.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB185