Texas voters approve 17 state propositions, including $3B for dementia research 

This story has been updated.

Texas voters approved a $3 billion dementia research fund, tax exemptions for the spouses of deceased veterans, changes to the state’s judicial oversight arm and every other state proposition on the ballot on Tuesday.

Proposition 14: Dementia research

Proposition 14 passed with 68.4% of voters in favor of establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas along with $3 billion in funding for the institute to advance dementia research. 

The new institute will be modeled after the state’s Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, which was formed in 2007 with approval by 61% of Texas voters. 

DPRIT will administer grants to researchers studying Parkinson’s disease, dementia and other brain diseases. It will be the largest state-funded brain disease research fund of its kind.

San Antonio researchers advocated for the institute, pointing to the high rates of neurodegenerative diseases in South Texas. The institute also had the backing of Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, most state lawmakers, medical organizations and advocacy groups like the National Alzheimer’s Association, Texas Assisted Living Association, Texas Medical Association, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, among others.

Proposition 7: Veteran homestead exemption

Proposition 7 passed with support among 86% of voters. The amendment allows state lawmakers to give property tax breaks on homes to spouses of U.S. veterans who died in connection to their service, as long as they haven’t remarried.

The measure had bipartisan support among lawmakers.

“This measure honors the sacrifices of military families and protects individual liberty and property rights,” said Texas Policy Research, a conservative think tank. “While further exemptions complicate the tax system, this narrowly targeted relief is justified. It should, however, be accompanied by broader property tax reform to maintain equity and simplicity.”

Texas voters have historically supported tax exemptions for veterans. Between 1972 and 2021, Texas voters approved eight constitutional amendments for veteran tax exemptions with at least 69% in favor, according to Ballotpedia.

San Antonio, known as Military City USA, is home to a large population of veterans. The exemption could benefit an estimated 3,000 spouses across the state.

Proposition 12: Judicial oversight changes

Proposition 12 was approved with 61% of voter approval. This amendment modifies the makeup of the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct, a 13-member state commission that disciplines judges, and the commission’s conduct review process. It allows Gov. Greg Abbott to appoint a majority of the commission, which has raised concerns about overreach into the judicial branch.

The proposition had the backing of law enforcement associations, conservative think tanks and organizations focused on judicial accountability.“The fact that the SCJC sanctions judges in less than 1% of all complaints is deeply troubling as it undermines public confidence in judicial accountability and raises serious concerns about transparency and oversight,” Robert Garza, a director with Texans for Judicial Accountability, told The Texan.