General · Texas behavioral health news
Texas’ big health priorities — dementia research, food labeling and ivermectin — have hit roadblocks
Texas Tribune – Health · By Terri Langford · June 23, 2026
In plain language
Three major Texas health laws passed last year are currently stalled due to legal challenges and regulatory delays. A $3 billion fund for dementia research is on hold because of a lawsuit questioning election results, while a plan to put warning labels on certain food dyes faces a federal court battle. Additionally, though a new law allows pharmacies to sell ivermectin without a prescription, very few stores are doing so because of concerns about liability and federal guidelines. Despite these roadblocks, state officials have successfully updated some nutrition education requirements and restricted soda purchases for SNAP recipients.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- A lawsuit by two voters has blocked $3 billion in state funding for dementia and Alzheimer’s research.
- Proposed warning labels for foods with certain dyes are stalled following a lawsuit by the American Beverage Association.
- Most Texas pharmacies are not selling ivermectin without a prescription due to liability concerns and FDA regulations.
- The 15th Court of Appeals will ultimately decide if the Dementia Prevention Research Institute can begin its work.
- New Texas rules regarding nutrition education and physical activity in schools have already gone into effect.
- Texas successfully removed soda as an approved purchase for residents using SNAP benefits.
An aid adjusts a sign before Gov. Greg Abbott signs the Make Texas Healthy Again bill at the Texas Capitol on Aug. 27, 2025. " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.texastribune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/0827-MAHA-Signing-MS-01.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /> Priorities for Republican leadership last legislative session have either been stuck in the courts or left to linger in the state rulemaking process. The post Texas’ big health priorities — dementia research, food labeling and ivermectin — have hit roadblocks appeared first on The Texas Tribune.
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