Texas’ $3 billion dementia research and care fund remains on hold after a lawsuit challenged the November 4 statewide vote that authorized the program.
The lawsuit, filed in a Texas district court by a group of plaintiffs whose names appear in court records, seeks to block the implementation of the dementia fund by contesting the validity of the ballot measure that voters approved in the recent election.
The plaintiffs allege that voting machines used in the election malfunctioned and did not accurately record or tally votes on the ballot proposition related to the dementia fund.
The lawsuit states that the alleged malfunctions affected the integrity of the election results for the dementia fund measure and asks the court to halt certification and enforcement of the vote.
State officials say the fund would be used to finance programs focused on Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, including research grants, clinical initiatives, and support services for patients and caregivers.
The plaintiffs request that the court review voting machine performance data, election records, and other documentation related to the November 4 vote on the dementia fund measure.
The filing also asks the court to issue an order preventing state agencies from issuing bonds or distributing money under the dementia fund until the legal challenge is resolved.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick publicly criticized the lawsuit and described it as an attempt to overturn a funding initiative that voters approved.
Patrick said he believes the election outcome on the dementia fund reflects the will of Texas voters and that the state should move forward with the funding plan once legal barriers are cleared.
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs argue in court filings that the lawsuit does not challenge the concept of dementia funding but focuses on the accuracy and legality of the voting process.
The court has not yet set a final trial date, but preliminary hearings and motions are underway as attorneys for both sides present arguments on the scope and merits of the claims.