A new $3 billion state initiative to advance dementia research in Texas has been placed on hold after three voters filed a lawsuit challenging the validity of this month’s election. The challenge targets Proposition 14 — the constitutional amendment that would create and fund the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) — and temporarily prevents the measure from taking effect.
The plaintiffs, Shannon Huggins, Lars Kuslich, and Jose Silvester, filed their suit on Nov. 13 in Travis County against the Texas Secretary of State’s office. They allege that some of the voting machines used in the November election were not certified as required by federal law. As a result, they argue the election results should be thrown out and a new election ordered.
Although the lawsuit does not clarify why they are challenging only Proposition 14 and not the other 16 constitutional amendments that appeared on the same ballot, the plaintiffs highlight the size of the expenditure at stake. “As Texas taxpayers, Contestants suffer a distinct injury from the $3 billion diversion of general revenue triggered by proposition 14's passage from illegal votes,” their complaint states.
The plaintiffs are representing themselves and have each filed similar challenges in previous election cycles.
State Leaders Push Back
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who championed the creation of DPRIT and designated it a top legislative priority earlier this year, sharply criticized the suit. He argued that targeting only Proposition 14 undermines the integrity of the broader election.
“Surprisingly, none of the other propositions were challenged in court under this pretense,” Patrick said in a statement. “This attack on DPRIT is disgusting and is a disservice to the roughly 500,000 Texans who suffer from some form of dementia, and their families who suffer along with them.”
He also described the effort as “lawsuit abuse,” adding: “This frivolous lawsuit has prevented the DPRIT constitutional amendment from taking effect, despite Proposition 14’s passage with nearly 70% of the vote!” Patrick urged the courts to act quickly so the institute could begin its work.
A Repeated Legal Tactic
Under current Texas law, any constitutional amendment facing a court challenge cannot take effect until the lawsuit is resolved. Lawmakers attempted to curtail the impact of such challenges by passing House Bill 16 in September, which allows amendments to be implemented despite ongoing litigation. However, the new law does not take effect until Dec. 4 — leaving Proposition 14 vulnerable.
This is not the first time activists have used litigation to stall voter-approved amendments. In 2023, multiple lawsuits were filed in the days after the election questioning the reliability of the state’s voting equipment — claims state officials deemed unfounded at the time. The new lawsuit echoes those earlier challenges, again focusing on alleged problems with voting machines.
What the Dementia Research Initiative Would Do
If allowed to move forward, Proposition 14 would establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, a new state-funded effort aimed at attracting top researchers and clinicians specializing in brain diseases. The institute would support research into conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A board of physicians and scientists would oversee grantmaking for studies focused on causes, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Funding could also support new medical facilities and the development of new therapies and medications. The initial $3 billion would be drawn from state surplus or the Economic Stabilization Fund, often called the rainy day fund.
Texas leaders have emphasized the need for expanded research and treatment capacity as the state’s population ages. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, approximately 459,000 Texans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease — accounting for roughly 12% of the state’s population over age 65. Alzheimer’s represents about 80% of dementia cases statewide, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Texas is also among the states with the highest number of older adults at risk for developing Alzheimer’s. A 2023 national study found that while the highest prevalence rates occur in the eastern and southeastern United States, Texas is one of only three states with particularly high numbers of older residents considered at risk.
What Happens Next
The lawsuit must work its way through the courts before Proposition 14 can be certified. Unless the legal challenge is dismissed or resolved favorably, DPRIT’s funding mechanism will remain on hold until at least Dec. 4, when HB 16 takes effect. After that date, new rules will govern how such challenges affect voter-approved amendments.
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