Several of Texas’ most ambitious health-related initiatives approved during the 2025 legislative session have encountered significant obstacles, leaving key reforms tied to dementia research, food labeling, and ivermectin access in limbo less than a year after lawmakers celebrated their passage.
The measures were among the most prominent health priorities championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows. They also aligned with the broader goals of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which has gained traction among conservative lawmakers seeking changes to public health, food policy, and medical freedom initiatives.
Despite the political momentum behind the legislation, none of the three marquee policies has been fully implemented. Legal challenges and regulatory uncertainty have slowed progress, raising questions about how quickly Texas can translate major legislative victories into tangible policy changes.
Dementia Research Fund Held Up in Court
The most significant financial investment among the three initiatives was the creation of the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), a $3 billion fund approved by voters to support research, prevention, treatment, and care related to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Unlike the other measures, DPRIT faced resistance almost immediately. A lawsuit filed by two Texas voters challenged the validity of the constitutional amendment election that authorized the program, alleging voting irregularities during the 2025 election.
As a result, the initiative remains stalled while the courts review the challenge. However, supporters remain optimistic that the program will ultimately survive legal scrutiny. State officials have already set aside the $3 billion authorized by voters, and the money will remain untouched until the lawsuit is resolved.
Advocates argue that the measure received overwhelming public support and represents a critical investment in addressing a growing health crisis affecting Texas families. The outcome of the case could determine when, or if, the research institute begins operations.
Ivermectin Law Sees Limited Adoption
Another closely watched measure was House Bill 25, which allows pharmacies to dispense ivermectin without a prescription under Texas law.
The antiparasitic drug became a political flashpoint during the COVID-19 pandemic, when some Americans promoted its use for treating the virus despite federal health officials maintaining that ivermectin was not approved for that purpose.
Although Gov. Greg Abbott elevated expanded access to ivermectin as a legislative priority, implementation has been limited. According to Texans for Vaccine Choice, only a small fraction of Texas pharmacies currently offer ivermectin without a prescription.
Supporters of the law say the legislation was intended to expand consumer choice rather than force pharmacies to carry the medication. However, legal and regulatory concerns appear to be discouraging widespread participation.
One major source of hesitation is the continuing conflict between state and federal policy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration still classifies ivermectin as a prescription drug and has not approved it as a treatment for COVID-19. Pharmacy organizations and medical groups have warned that dispensing the medication without a prescription could expose pharmacists to liability concerns.
Health care professionals have also raised concerns about patient safety, particularly when drugs are used for off-label purposes without physician oversight. Legal experts note that state protections may not eliminate all potential civil or federal liability risks.
As a result, many pharmacies appear to be taking a cautious approach despite the law's passage.
Food Labeling Measure Hits Federal Roadblock
The state’s high-profile food labeling initiative has also run into legal trouble.
Senate Bill 25, branded by supporters as the “Make Texas Healthy Again” Act, sought to require warning labels on food products containing dozens of additives and dyes that face restrictions or bans in countries such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union.
The law would have required manufacturers to place warning labels on qualifying products beginning in 2027. Supporters argued the measure would improve transparency and help consumers make more informed decisions about what they eat.
However, the American Beverage Association filed a federal lawsuit challenging the labeling requirement. Industry groups argue that the warnings rely on foreign regulatory standards rather than determinations made by U.S. health authorities.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of the warning-label provision while litigation proceeds.
Not all portions of the legislation have been affected. Other provisions, including expanded nutrition education and protections related to physical education requirements in schools, have already taken effect.
MAHA Movement Faces Governing Challenges
The setbacks surrounding these three initiatives have prompted debate about the future effectiveness of the MAHA movement in Texas.
Political analysts suggest the movement has proven highly effective at criticizing existing institutions, including federal agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and food manufacturers. Turning those criticisms into workable public policy, however, has proven more difficult.
Some observers point to contradictions within the legislation itself. For example, the food-labeling law embraces a form of regulation that many conservatives have traditionally opposed. Likewise, the dementia research fund has been delayed by election-related legal challenges that stem from broader debates over election integrity, a longstanding issue among conservative activists.
Despite the obstacles, analysts do not believe the movement is fading. Instead, they view the current challenges as growing pains for a political movement still refining its legislative strategy.
Supporters of the measures remain hopeful that court rulings, regulatory guidance, and future legislative sessions will eventually clear the path for implementation. For now, however, three of Texas’ most ambitious health policy victories remain unfinished, demonstrating that passing legislation is often only the first step in a much longer governing process.
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