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2025 Texas Constitutional Amendments
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 2025 Constitutional Amendments Voter’s Guide © 2025 A qr code with a star in the middle AI-generated content may be incorrect. Download Digital Copy Compiled By Darren York © 2025 txconstitutionalamendments.org  This Voter’s Guide is a compilation of publicly available information from the referenced sources for voter educational and informational purposes only. This guide is copyrighted for commercial purposes only. This guide is free to use, copy and distribute for the sole purpose of voter education and information. This guide if used, copied or distributed must be done free of charge regardless of the medium that it is provided, printed or electronic). For questions, feedback, request or to report unauthorized use or distribution of this guide, please contact Darren York at //[email protected]// . © 2025 by Darren York for 2025 Constitutional Amendments Voter’s Guide Copyright and Permitted Use © 2025 2  DIGITAL VERSION This Voter’s Guide is available in a digital PDF version. In the digital version the QR codes are hyperlinked to the source data/information unless a text URL link is provided in conjunction with the QR code. PRINTER VERSION This Voter’s Guide if printed, provides QR codes for all references to source data/information for the user’s ease of use, to provide easy digital access to the source data/information. DATA / INFORMATION The data/information provided in this guide is sourced from publicly available information with the primary sources being provided from the Texas Constitution and Legislative Records accessed through //Texas Legislature Online// . ORGANIZATION The Guide is organized to provide detailed information on each amendment proposition. At the end of the detailed section is a reference summary to provide legislative links for fiscal notes, bill analysis, and an enrolled bill summary. A second summary is provided with links for the full text versions of the joint resolutions as well as any associated enabling legislation. The Guide concludes with a Proposition Notes section that can be printed, completed and used as a voting memory aid based when the user cast their ballot. About This Guide © 2025 3  How Is The Texas Constitution Amended? ……………………………. The History of the Texas Constitution & Amendments ……………. Voting Information …………………………………………………………… Propositions Voter Information Proposition 1 …………………………………………………………………… Proposition 2 …………………………………………………………………… Proposition 3 …………………………………………………………………… Proposition 4 …………………………………………………………………… Proposition 5 …………………………………………………………………… Proposition 6 …………………………………………………………………… Proposition 7 …………………………………………………………………… Proposition 8 …………………………………………………………………… Proposition 9 …………………………………………………………………… Proposition 10 ………………………………………………………………… Proposition 11 ………………………………………………………………… Proposition 12 ………………………………………………………………… Proposition 13 ………………………………………………………………… Proposition 14 ………………………………………………………………… Contents © 2025 4 6 7 12 13 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40  Proposition 15 ………………………………………………………………… Proposition 16 ………………………………………………………………… Proposition 17 ………………………………………………………………… Additional References ……………………………………………………… By Proposition (Fiscal Notes, HRO Analysis, Enrolled Summary ….. By Proposition (Joint Resolution Text & Enabling Legislation ……….. All Propositions ………………………………………………………………. Secretary of State Ballot Order (English/Spanish) Secretary of State Proposition Explanatory Statements (English/Spanish) BallotPedia Proposition List / Details Voter’s Notes ………………………………………………………………….. Contents © 2025 5 42 44 46 48 48 49 50 51  How Is The Texas Constitution Amended? 1 2 The Texas Legislature must pass a joint resolution proposing the constitutional amendment with a two-thirds majority vote in both the Texas House of Representatives (100 votes) and the Texas Senate (21 votes) Once the joint resolution is passed, the proposed amendment is then submitted to Texas voters for approval in a special election (typically in November of odd numbered years). The amendment becomes part of the constitution if it receives a majority of the votes cast. Unlike bills, joint resolutions do not require the governor's signature and are filed directly with the secretary of state. The Texas Two Step © 2025 6  The History of the Texas Constitution and Its Amendments The 1876 Texas Constitution, the fifth since statehood, had 289 sections organized into 17 articles. Over the years, 234 new sections have been added, while 66 of the original sections and 52 of the added sections have been removed, so that the Texas Constitution today has 405 sections. Since 1876, the legislature has proposed 714 constitutional amendments. Of those amendments, 530 have been approved by the electorate, 181 have been defeated, and 3 never made it to the ballot. //https:%%//%%www.tlc.texas.gov/docs/amendments/constamend1876.pdf// The Texas Constitution as amended through November 7, 2023 may be found at the following link: //https:%%//%%www.tlc.texas.gov/docs/legref/TxConst.pdf// © 2025 7  © 2025 8 The History of Texas Constitutional Amendments //https:%%//%%www.tlc.texas.gov/docs/amendments/constamend1876.pdf//  © 2025 9 The History of Texas Constitutional Amendments //https:%%//%%www.tlc.texas.gov/docs/amendments/constamend1876.pdf//  © 2025 10 The History of Texas Constitutional Amendments //https:%%//%%www.tlc.texas.gov/docs/amendments/constamend1876.pdf// 19 16 19 17 19 18 19 19 19 20 19 21 19 23 19 24 19 26 19 27 19 28 19 29 19 30 19 32 19 33 19 34 19 35 19 36 19 37 19 38 19 40 19 42 19 44 19 45 19 46 19 47 19 48 19 49 19 51 19 52 19 54 19 56 19 57 19 58 19 60 19 62 19 63 19 64 19 65 19 66 19 67 19 68 19 69 19 70 19 71 19 72 19 73 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 93 19 95 19 97 19 99 20 01 20 02 20 03 20 05 20 07 20 09 20 11 20 13 20 14 20 15 20 17 20 19 20 21 20 22 20 23 Adopted 1 2 1 2 1 1 5 4 6 12 4 5 8 5 1 3 1 3 Failed 1 14 1 7 9 3 8 3 1 1 1 4 Never Submitted 1 Total 1 1 2 15 3 8 1 1 5 9 4 3 6 12 4 8 8 9 6 1 4 5 3 % Adopted 0% 100% 100% 7% 67% 13% 0% 100% 100% 0% 100% 0% 100% 100% 100% 0% 63% 89% 83% 100% 75% 20% 100% 19 45 19 46 19 47 19 48 19 49 19 51 19 52 19 54 19 56 19 57 19 58 19 60 19 62 19 63 19 64 19 65 19 66 19 67 19 68 19 69 19 70 19 71 19 72 19 73 19 75 19 76 19 77 19 78 19 79 19 80 19 81 19 82 19 83 19 84 19 85 19 86 19 87 19 88 19 89 19 90 19 91 19 93 19 95 19 97 19 99 20 01 20 02 20 03 20 05 20 07 20 09 20 11 20 13 20 14 20 15 20 17 20 19 20 21 20 22 20 23 Adopted 6 4 2 9 2 1 2 29 11 3 7 6 11 3 3 7 18 6 8 55 5 1 14 Failed 1 9 4 4 4 4 10 1 7 5 2 3 5 Never Submitted 1 Total 7 4 2 9 11 5 2 29 11 3 11 6 15 7 3 17 19 7 15 60 7 4 19 % Adopted 86% 100% 100% 100% 18% 20% 100% 100% 100% 100% 64% 100% 73% 43% 100% 41% 95% 86% 53% 92% 71% 25% 74%  © 2025 11 The History of Texas Constitutional Amendments //https:%%//%%www.tlc.texas.gov/docs/amendments/constamend1876.pdf//  © 2025 12 Texas Constitutional Amendments Voting Information //https:%%//%%www.votetexas.gov/// ELECTION DAY  © 2025 13 2025 Constitutional Amendment Propositions In Order As They Will Appear On The Ballot  Bill Number: SJR59 Taxpayer Cost: $ 850 M (Investment Fund Transfer) Proposition 1 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Birdwell Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 110 [ 47/63 ] 29 [ 11/18] NO 16 [ 1/15 ] 2 [ 0/2 ] NV 24 [14/10 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 82.7% 98.3% R D Texas State Technical College (TSTC) was established in 1969 and is a public technical college with 11 campuses. TSTC is governed by a board of regents with nine members who are appointed by the governor for six-year terms. As of 2025, it offers associate degrees and certificates in 48 programs across nine industries — allied health, aviation, computer and information technology, construction and maintenance, engineering and manufacturing, environmental and safety, hospitality, online programs, and transportation. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 7 Add section(s): 21 Delete section(s): Amend section(s): 17, 18 Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Article 7, Section 17 was added to the Texas Constitution in 1984 with the approval of Proposition 2 with 71.9% of voters supporting it. It authorized dedicated funding for 26 institutions of higher education. Section 17 requires the first $100 million collected by the state that is not otherwise appropriated to be allocated to these institutions for capital improvements. The amendment also authorized the legislature to change the constitutionally required appropriation for the next five fiscal years by a two-thirds supermajority vote of state legislators. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) was added to the list of eligible institutions with the approval of Proposition 13 in 1993. It was approved by a margin of 58.2% to 41.8%. Proposition 1 would create the Available Fund or the Available Workforce Education Fund and the Permanent Fund or the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund as special funds in the state treasury separate from the general fund to provide a dedicated \\ revenue source for capital projects and equipment purchases for the Texas State Technical College System. These Funds will be seeded with an initial $850 million from general revenue. The state Comptroller would be responsible for managing the funds.. © 2025 14  © 2025 15 Bill Number: SJR18 Proposition 1 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS Texas State Technical College (TSTC) historically has been underfunded, with no consistently adequate capital funding to allow for strategic growth in current or new campuses. With the record growth of employment rates in Texas, the skilled-labor shortage also continues to grow. TSTC has a long history of proven performance in training highly skilled workers. This is why a large group of associations and businesses have been pushing for the expansion of TSTC into the fastest growing regions of Texas for access to training facilities that produce the skilled workforce needed. S.J.R. 59 creates a reliable source of capital funding for TSTC to expand technical training in order to meet the growing skills gap in Texas and place more Texans in great-paying jobs. S.J.R. 59 establishes a constitutionally dedicated, permanent endowment to fund the capital infrastructure needs of career and technical education programs offered by TSTC. POSITIONS FAVOR OPPOSE Texas 2036, Texas Association of Manufacturers, Texas Association of Builders, AGC-Texas Building Branch, Texas Economic Development Council, Texas Recreational Vehicle Association, Texas Trucking Association, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, NFIB, Texas Construction Association, Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas, Inc, Texas Realtors, BASF Corporation, North Texas Commission, Texas Chemistry Council, Advanced Power Alliance, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, LLC., Dallas Regional Chamber, Texas Solar+Storage Association, Lumbermen's Association of Texas Texas Policy Research “This legislation will be vital in ensuring that Texas has the skilled workforce needed to meet the demands of our booming economy!“ – State Rep. Stan Lambert (R-71) “While expanding access to workforce education supports individual liberty and personal responsibility, embedding this preferential funding mechanism in the Constitution undermines limited government and transparency. A statutory approach with normal budget oversight would better uphold fiscal accountability.” A “Yes” Vote supports the use of $850 million to establish these two special funds outside of the general revenue fund to support the capital needs of the Texas Technical College System. A “No” Vote opposes the use of $850 million to establish these two special funds outside of the general revenue fund to support the capital needs of the Texas Technical College System. Taxpayer Cost: $ 850 M (Investment Fund Transfer)  Bill Number: SJR18 Proposition 2 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Perry Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 104 [ 17/87 ] 25 [ 5/20] NO 26 [ 26/0 ] 6 [ 6/0 ] NV 20 [19/1 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 100.0% 40.7% R D For tax year 2024, 42 states taxed capital gains. The highest rate for each state ranged from 2.5% in Arizona to 14.4% in California. Eight states, including Texas, do not tax capital gains. No state has enacted a tax on unrealized capital gains. California, Illinois, New York, Vermont, and Washington have considered legislation that proposed taxing unrealized capital gains. The federal government taxes capital gains according to how long they were held by the taxpayer. Short-term capital gains apply to capital assets held for less than a year, while long-term capital gains apply to capital assets held for more than one year. Short-term capital gains are taxed as regular income at the rate that applies to the taxpayer's income bracket. Long-term capital gains are taxed according to filing status and income bracket.. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 8 Add section(s): 24-b Delete section(s): Amend section(s): Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Article 8 has been amended 3 times since 1993. In 1993 and 2019voters approved prohibiting a personal income tax with 69% and 74% respectively. In 2023, voters approved the prohibition of a wealth or net worth tax with 68%. The amendment would amend Article 8 of the Texas Constitution to prohibit the Texas State Legislature from imposing a tax on realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust, including a tax on the sale or transfer of the capital asset. A capital asset is property held for personal investment, like stocks, bonds, real estate, and personal vehicles. Realized gains are the profits an individual makes from selling that investment. In contrast, unrealized gains represent the potential profit an individual could make if they were to sell an investment at its current market value. The amendment would also add language stating that the prohibition would not apply to ad valorem taxes on property, sales taxes on goods and services, or a use tax on the storage, use, or other consumption of goods and services within the state. © 2025 16 Taxpayer Cost: $ 344 K (’26) ($152 K Annually) See Fiscal Note @ TLO  © 2025 17 Bill Number: SJR18 Proposition 2 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS Currently, several states do not have a state income tax, including Texas. Although state law in the State of Washington prohibits the state from adopting an income tax, the Washington Legislature successfully enacted a capital gains tax that has survived court challenges. Many Texans were previously reassured that Texas would not be able to enact a capital gains tax because the state has a constitutional amendment barring the establishment of an income tax. However, after this recent development in the State of Washington and discussions in Congress about taxing unrealized capital gains, many Texans are concerned that a future legislature could enact a capital gains tax. This constitutional amendment would prohibit Texas from ever enacting a capital gains tax on realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust. This amendment will ensure Texas remains a tax friendly state. S.J.R. 18 proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust. POSITIONS FAVOR OPPOSE Texas Fram Bureau, Texas Policy Research “This measure upholds individual liberty, private property rights, and free enterprise by protecting Texans from future financial intrusion and double taxation. It strengthens Texas’s commitment to limited government and long -term economic competitiveness.” - Texas Policy Research A “Yes” Vote supports the prohibition of the state legislature from enacting a tax on realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust, including a tax on the sale or transfer of a capital asset. A “No” Vote opposes the prohibition of the state legislature from enacting a tax on realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust, including a tax on the sale or transfer of a capital asset. Taxpayer Cost: $ 344 K (’26) ($152 K Annually) See Fiscal Note @ TLO  Bill Number: SJR5 Proposition 3 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Huffman Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 133 [ 46/87 ] 31 [ 11/20] NO 8 [ 8/0 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] NV 9 [8/1 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 100.0% 87.7% R D Bail is an amount of money a defendant must pay in order to be released from custody while awaiting their trial. Bail is an assurance that the defendant will attend all required trials. Bail is returned to the defendant after a trial is over. A judge or magistrate determines a proper bail amount to set for a defendant based on their criminal history, prior court appearances, community ties, risk to the community and law enforcement, and likelihood of appearance in court. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 1 Add section(s): 11-d Delete section(s): Amend section(s): Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Texas voters have decided on five constitutional amendments related to denying bail. Each was approved with at least 79% of the vote. Proposition 3 would propose a constitutional amendment to require that bail be denied pending trial to a person accused of one or more of the following felony offenses if the state demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence after a hearing that granting bail would have been insufficient to reasonably prevent the person’s willful nonappearance in court or ensure the safety of the community, law enforcement, and victim of the alleged offense: murder; capital murder; aggravated assault if the person caused serious bodily injury or used a firearm, club, knife, or explosive weapon; aggravated kidnapping; aggravated robbery; aggravated sexual assault; indecency with a child; trafficking of persons; or continuous trafficking of persons. © 2025 18 Taxpayer Cost: Undetermined See Fiscal Note @ TLO Section 11 of Article 1 of the Texas Constitution guarantees all prisoners the right to bail with the following exceptions: capital offenses, an accused who has twice been convicted \\ of a felony, an accused who has committed a felony while on bail for a prior felony they were indicted for, a person accused of a felony with a deadly weapon after being convicted of a prior felony, or a person accused of a violent or sexual offense committed while under the supervision of a criminal justice agency of the State or a political subdivision of the State for a prior felony. The constitution also currently authorizes judges or magistrates to deny bail following a hearing if the offender is accused of a felony or an offense involving family violence and is released on bail pending trial, and whose bail is subsequently revoked or forfeited for violating the conditions of release.  © 2025 19 Bill Number: SJR5 Proposition 3 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS , The current options for denying bail pending trial effectively require a full trial on the merits at the time bail is denied, or shortly thereafter. This leads to rare utilization, even in the most appropriate situations to ensure public safety. Currently, magistrates may only deny bail under very limited circumstances. This means defendants accused of most crimes, including murder, must be released if they have the money to post bond, even if there is clear and convincing evidence that the individual may commit future violent crimes. Specifically, this amendment would give magistrates the ability to deny bail to individuals accused of committing: (1) a sexual offense punishable as a felony of the first degree; (2) a violent offense as defined by the Texas Constitution; or (3) continuous trafficking of persons. For bail to be denied for one of these offenses, a judge or magistrate must determine by clear and convincing evidence that the denial of bail is necessary to ensure either: the person's appearance in court; or the safety of the community, law enforcement, or the victim of the alleged offense. A judge or magistrate who denies bail would be required to issue a written order laying out their findings of fact and explaining why the denial of bail is necessary. POSITIONS FAVOR OPPOSE Crime Stoppers, TPPF, TMPA, Austin Police Assoc., The Professional Bondsman of Texas, HRBC, Sheriff’s Assoc. of Texas, FOP 39, HPOU, SAPOA, TGWPOA, SAPD, DPA, City of Houston, Upbring, CLEAT, Texas Police Chief’s Assoc., “This historic vote shows that the Texas House has decided to put public safety above party politics. This collaboration will undeniably make Texas stronger and our communities safer.” - Nikki Pressley, Texas state director of Right on Crime at the Texas Public Policy Foundation A “Yes” Vote supports the denial bail to individuals accused of certain violent or sexual offenses punishable as a felony. A “No” Vote opposes the denial bail to individuals accused of certain violent or sexual offenses punishable as a felony. Texas Civil Rights Project, American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, Texas Jail Project, The Bail Project, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Vera Institute of Justice, Texas Policy Research “While aimed at improving public safety, this amendment undermines individual liberty by expanding pretrial detention without conviction and curtails judicial discretion. It creates a rigid, constitutionally enshrined mandate that risks overreach, erodes due process, and expands the scope of government authority without adequate safeguards.” – Texas Research Project Taxpayer Cost: Undetermined See Fiscal Note @ TLO  Bill Number: HJR7 Proposition 4 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Harris|Hunter|Martinez|Kitzman|Metcalf Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 134 [ 52/70 ] 31 [ 11/20] NO 12 [ 0/12 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] NV 16 [10/6 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 88.2% 100.0% R D The Texas Water Fund (TWF) is a special fund in the state treasury outside of the general fund. Money \\ in the fund can only be transferred to the Water Assistance Fund, the New Supply Fund, the Water Implementation Fund, the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas, the Financial Assistance for Water Pollution Control, Rural Water Assistance Fund, the state Water Account, the Financial Assistance Account, and the state Participation Account. Distributions to water infrastructure \\ projects will prioritize projects in rural political subdivisions or municipalities with a population of less than 150,000. TWF is administered by the Texas Water Development Board (WDB). The fund received a one-time appropriation of $1 billion in 2023 through the supplemental appropriations bill (Senate Bill 30) and an \\ additional $2.5 billion from the latest supplemental budget passed during the 2025 regular legislative session (House Bill 500). The WDB oversees state programs related to the conservation and development of water resources in Texas. The implementing legislation is SB7 which was passed during the 2025 regular session. The latest state water plan, published by the TWD was released in 2022 and show totals by decade from 2020 to 2070. As of 2025, the state sales tax rate was 6.25% with local jurisdictions with an additional levy of up to 2%. Sales tax revenues from 2014 to 2024 are included in the Texas Comptroller's report “Sources of Revenue” (July 2025) TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 3, 8 Add section(s): Delete section(s): Amend section(s): 49-d-16, 7-e Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY The Texas Water Fund (TWF) was established with the approval of Proposition 6 in 2023 by 77.7% of voters. The Texas Water Development Board (WDB) was created in 1957 with the passage of Proposition 2 with 74% of voters. Proposition 4 would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize the Texas State Legislature to require the comptroller to annually allocate the first $1 billion in net sales tax revenue after revenue exceeds $46.5 billion to the Texas Water Fund. The comptroller's authority to allocate the first $1 billion would expire on August 31, 2047. © 2025 20 Taxpayer Cost: $ 1 B ( per annum ) (2028 - 2047) See Fiscal Note @ TLO The allocation would be administered in a separate account in the fund, and the amendment would prohibit the use of the funds unless an appropriation law is passed. The amendment would also prohibit the state legislature from changing the law that requires the allocation for the first 10 years. If a state of disaster is declared, the allocation may be suspended through either the regular budget process or a concurrent resolution approved by a majority of state legislators. Proposition 4 would prohibit the transfer of sales tax \\ revenue allocated to the Texas Water Fund to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund for financing groundwater infrastructure projects. The amendment would take effect on September 1, 2027.  © 2025 21 Bill Number: HJR7 Proposition 4 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS , Texas is facing a severe long-term water supply deficit and significant funding shortfall for all types of water-related infrastructure. By 2070, the 2022 Texas State Water Plan (SWP) projects a water supply shortfall of up to 6.86 million acre-feet annually. Taken together, the accelerating rates of population growth and economic development and the increasing drought severity and frequency experienced in Texas since the 2022 iteration of the SWP was published three years ago suggest that projected shortfall is actually underestimated. Extrapolating from the consequences of the 2011 drought, a report commissioned in 2024 by Texas 2036 found that the Texas economy could lose approximately 785,000 jobs and suffer $160 billion in lost gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of the 2030s attributable to water scarcity if left unaddressed. The report found that the Texas power grid is acutely susceptible to water scarcity; 82,100 megawatts, or 53.9 percent, of the current Texas power generation capacity relies on significant volumes of water for steam generation and/or cooling. During testimony, before the SWARA Committee in February 2025, the Texas Water Development Board estimated projected funding needs of approximately $8 billion for water treatment projects, $54.5 billion for flood infrastructure projects, and $80 billion for SWP projects. In its report, Texas 2036 estimated $153.8 billion in total water-related financial assistance needs over the next 50 years. As engrossed, H.J.R. 7 satisfies Governor Abbott's emergency request by constitutionally dedicating $1billion in sales and use tax revenues to the Texas Water Funding each state fiscal year beginning with FY 2028. As substituted, H.J.R. 7 satisfies the SWARA Committee recommendation by allocating 80 percent of the funding for NWSTF projects during the initial term of the dedication. POSITIONS //** **// //** **// FAVOR OPPOSE Texas Assoc. of Manufacturers, The Nature Conservancy in TX, TXWIN, Texas Water Supply Partners, Texas Water Association, Greater Houston Partnership, Texas 2036, Lower Colorado River Authority, Brazos River Authority, EDF, National Wildlife Federation, AGC of Texas, Texas Assoc. of Business, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Realtors, Texas Rural Water Assoc., Texas Oil & Gas Assoc., GBRA, …more “Texas 2036 projects that the state will need to invest at least $154 billion in the coming decades toward expanding our water supply portfolio and fixing aging, deteriorating systems. We estimate that existing state and federal funding programs will cover roughly 25% of this need. This will leave a long-term water infrastructure funding gap of $110 billion. HJR 7 addresses this problem, in part, with its $1 billion per year revenue dedication to the Texas Water Fund.“ – Texas 2036 A “Yes” Vote supports allocation of the first $1 billion per fiscal year of sales tax revenue after it exceeds $46.5 billion to the state water fund and authorize the state legislature, by a two-thirds vote, to adjust the amount allocated. A “No” Vote opposes allocation of the first $1 billion per fiscal year of sales tax revenue after it exceeds $46.5 billion to the state water fund and authorize the state legislature, by a two-thirds vote, to adjust the amount allocated. Texas Policy Research HJR 7 would not provide sufficient funding to secure the state’s water future given the size of projected water funding needs. As such, the resolution should not allow the Legislature to reduce the annual funding by concurrent resolution. In addition, the resolution should explicitly dedicate part of the annual funding to new water supply development. Without new water supply investments, the state risks overdependence and possible depletion of groundwater resources due to water exports from rural areas to urban centers. Taxpayer Cost: $ 1 B ( per annum ) (2028 - 2047) See Fiscal Note @ TLO  Bill Number: HJR99 Proposition 5 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Harris Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 102 [ 17/85 ] 30 [ 10/20] NO 5 [ 4/1 ] 1 [ 1/0 ] NV 43 [41/2 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 99.1% 84.4% R D In 1968, Texas voters adopted Proposition 7, which provided for a gradual reduction in the state property tax and eventual abolishment after 1978, with exceptions for certain institutions of higher learning. In 1982, this exception for certain higher education institutions to levy state ad valorem property taxes was repealed with the passage of Proposition 1. As of 2025, only local taxing units, cities, counties, school districts, junior colleges, and special districts levy ad valorem taxes. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 8 Add section(s): 1-s Delete section(s): Amend section(s): Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Adding a new section to Article 8. HJR 99 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to exempt animal feed held by the owner for retail sale from ad valorem taxation. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to provide additional eligibility requirements for the exemption. © 2025 22 Taxpayer Cost: Undetermined See Fiscal Note @ TLO  © 2025 23 Bill Number: HJR99 Proposition 5 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS , H.J.R. 99 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail. POSITIONS //** **// //** **// FAVOR OPPOSE Texas Farm Bureau, Colony Ranch Supply, Inc., Texas Policy Research, Individual “By reducing a targeted tax burden on agricultural retailers, this measure promotes free enterprise and strengthens private property rights. Though exemptions should be used cautiously, this permissive amendment gives the Legislature flexibility to deliver fairer tax treatment without mandating new spending.“ – Texas Policy Research A “Yes” Vote supports authorizing the state legislature to pass a property tax exemption on animal feed held by the property owner for retail sale. A “No” Vote opposes authorizing the state legislature to pass a property tax exemption on animal feed held by the property owner for retail sale. Individuals Taxpayer Cost: Undetermined See Fiscal Note @ TLO  Bill Number: HJR4 Proposition 6 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from enacting a law imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Meyer|Button|Vasut|Moody|Anchia Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 111 [ 28/83 ] 28 [ 8/20] NO 31 [ 27/4 ] 3 [ 3/0] NV 8 [7/1 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 96.3% 54.5% R D In January 2025, a group led by Texas Stock Exchange CEO James Lee and financed by institutional investors, including Charles Schwab, Fortress, BlackRock, and Citadel Securities, announced plans to file and begin operating a national stock exchange headquartered in Dallas, Texas, starting in 2026. The exchange would facilitate listings of public companies, exchange-traded products (ETPs), and American depositary receipts (ADRs). The U.S. has 13 stock market exchanges as of 2025. New York had a financial transaction tax from 1905 to 1981, when the New York Stock Exchange considered leaving the state due to the tax. The tax is still in state law, but the state now offers a 100% rebate on the tax, effectively making it null. A bill by State Rep. Phil Steck (D-110) proposed during the 2019-2020 legislative session would have repealed the rebate and taxed the sale of a stock between $0.0125 and $0.05, depending on the value of the stock being sold. Rep. Steck pointed to international exchanges that have similar taxes, saying, ”Every single significant exchange in the world has a financial transaction tax save one, which is Germany, and they've proposed it there.During the 2020-2021 legislative session, the New Jersey State Legislature proposed Assembly Bill 4402, which proposed imposing a tax on high-quantity processors of financial transactions at $0.0025 per transaction. The bill was referred to the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, but it did not receive a vote by either chamber. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 8 Add section(s): 30 Delete section(s): Amend section(s): Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Since 1993, Texas voters have decided on three amendments to prohibit future taxes by adding the prohibitions to the state constitution. All three were approved. In 2025, voters will decide on three amendments to prohibit future taxes. 2023: Proposition 3 to Prohibit a wealth or net worth tax, 2019: Proposition 4 to prohibit the state from levying an income tax on individuals, and 1993:Proposition 4 to prohibit personal income tax without voter approval, directing revenue to education and limiting local school tax rules. Each was approved by 68%, 74% and 69% respectively. © 2025 24 Taxpayer Cost: $ 0 a constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from enacting a law that imposes an occupation tax on a registered securities market operator or a tax on a securities transaction conducted by a registered securities market operator. The proposed amendment would not prohibit the imposition of a general business tax measured by business activity, a tax on the production of minerals, a tax on insurance premiums, a sales and use tax on tangible personal property or services, or a fee based on the cost of processing or creating documents. The proposed amendment would also not prohibit a change in the rate of a tax in existence on January 1, 2026.  © 2025 25 Bill Number: HJR4 Proposition 6 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS , During the COVID-19 pandemic, New York and New Jersey proposed financial transaction taxes, prompting concerns about retirement investments and causing New York and Nasdaq to consider relocating to Texas. With many individuals relying on 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions for retirement, concerns arose that such a tax could reduce returns and hinder savings. Though both states abandoned the proposals, the risk remains. With Texas' development of a fully integrated stock exchange, H.J.R. 4 proposes a constitutional amendment to ban new taxes on securities transfers and financial transactions, protecting Texans and businesses. H.J.R. 4 proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the enactment of a law imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions. POSITIONS //** **// //** **// FAVOR OPPOSE Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), Texas Policy Research “This measure affirms limited government, free enterprise, and private property rights by protecting investment activity from targeted taxation. It preserves Texas’s pro -business climate without fiscal downside, safeguarding both institutional and individual investors from government interference.” – Texas Policy Research A “Yes” Vote supports the prohibition of laws that impose an occupation tax on a registered securities market operator or a securities transaction tax. A “No” Vote opposes the prohibition of laws that impose an occupation tax on a registered securities market operator or a securities transaction tax. True Texas Project, Individual Taxpayer Cost: $ 0  Bill Number: HJR133 Proposition 7 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Turner|Button|Cook|Cortez|Garcia L. Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 111 [ 28/83 ] 28 [ 8/20] NO 31 [ 27/4 ] 3 [ 3/0] NV 8 [7/1 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 96.3% 54.5% R D A homestead property tax exemption reduces the taxable value of a residence. The taxable value can either be the market value or the property's assessed value. Market value is the price at which the property would be sold. Assessed value is calculated by applying an assessment ratio to the market value. House Bill 2508 (HB 2508) is the implementing legislation for the amendment, and it was also passed during the 2025 legislative session. It will take effect if Proposition 7 is approved. HB 2508 authorizes a property tax exemption for the total appraised value of the homestead of a surviving spouse of a veteran killed by a service-connected disease, regardless of disability status at the time of death. The surviving spouse would qualify for the exemption as long as they have not remarried and the service-connected disease is a qualifying condition or disease under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, also known as the PACT Act. A surviving spouse would also be able to receive a homestead property tax exemption on a new property in an amount equal to the dollar amount of the exemption on the first property if the surviving spouse has not remarried. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 8 Add section(s): 30 Delete section(s): Amend section(s): Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Between 1972 and 2021, Texas voters decided on eight constitutional amendments related to tax exemptions for veterans. All eight were approved with at least 69% of the vote. © 2025 26 HJR 133 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to give surviving spouses of United States armed services veterans a property tax exemption on their residence homestead. The proposed amendment would exempt all or part of the property tax on the spouse’s residence homestead if the veteran died from a condition or disease presumed under federal law to be service-related. The exemption would apply only to a surviving spouse who has not remarried since the veteran’s death. Taxpayer Cost: Undetermined See Fiscal Note @ TLO for Local Implications  © 2025 27 Bill Number: HJR133 Proposition 7 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS According to a 2024 study on veterans in Texas prepared by the Texas Workforce Investment Council, approximately 1.5 million individuals 18 years of age and older in Texas were veterans in 2021. Current state law entitles a veteran who is rated as 100 percent disabled due to a service connected disability to an exemption from property taxation of the total appraised value of the veteran's residence homestead, and when a 100 percent disabled veteran passes away, a qualifying surviving spouse is entitled to the same residence homestead exemption for the property to which the veteran's exemption applied. However, the resolution author has informed the committee that a gap exists in current law with respect to veterans who pass away due to a condition or disease for which the federal Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 establishes a presumption of service connection but who are not yet rated as 100 percent disabled at the time of the veteran’s death, in which case the surviving spouse is not entitled to a residence homestead exemption. H.J.R. 133 seeks to address this issue by authorizing the legislature to entitle the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a qualifying condition or disease presumed under federal law to have been service-connected to certain exemptions from property taxation. POSITIONS //** **// //** **// FAVOR OPPOSE The American Legion Dept of Texas, Texas Policy Research “This measure honors the sacrifices of military families and protects individual liberty and property rights. 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 Policy Research A “Yes” Vote supports authorizing the state legislature to establish a property tax exemption on all or part of the market value of the homestead of a surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a service-connected disease. A “No” Vote opposes authorizing the state legislature to establish a property tax exemption on all or part of the market value of the homestead of a surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a service-connected disease. Taxpayer Cost: Undetermined See Fiscal Note @ TLO for Local Implications  Bill Number: HJR2 Proposition 8 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable to a decedent's property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Turner|Button|Cook|Cortez|Garcia L. Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 112 [ 25/87 ] 27 [ 7/20] NO 29 [ 29/0 ] 3 [ 3/0] NV 9 [8/1 ] 1 [ 1/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 100.0% 50.0% R D An estate tax is a tax levied on the total value of a deceased person's property that is being transferred to their heirs, which means that it is paid by the estate and not the heirs. An inheritance tax is a tax levied on the assets received by an heir, so it is paid by the heir. Texas currently does not have an estate or an inheritance tax. For tax year 2024, 12 states imposed an estate tax, six states imposed an inheritance tax, and one state — Maryland — imposed both an estate and an inheritance tax. The majority of estate and inheritance taxes levied by states are progressive, meaning the tax rate increases as the value of taxable assets increases. The states with the highest marginal rates are Hawaii and Washington, at rates of 20% for estates valued at $15.49 million and $9 million, respectively. Kentucky and New Jersey have the highest marginal inheritance tax rates of 16% During the 2015 legislative session, the Texas State Legislature passed Senate Bill 752 (SB 752) repealing the state's inheritance tax. The state tax was initially structured to equal the federal estate tax credit for estate taxes collected by the states. However, with changes to the federal tax structure, including the elimination of the credit in 2005, Texas estate tax revenue became zero. SB 752 also repealed the tax on combative sports events, like boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 8 Add section(s): 26 Delete section(s): Amend section(s): Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Since 1993, Texas voters have decided on three amendments to prohibit future taxes by adding the prohibitions to the state constitution. All three were approved by 68% or greater. In 2025, voters will decide on three amendments to prohibit future taxes(Propositions 2, 6, 8). © 2025 28 HJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing a state tax on a deceased individual’s estate because of the individual’s death, including an estate, inheritance, or death tax. The proposed amendment would prohibit the legislature from imposing a state tax on the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift from an individual, family, estate, or trust, including generation-skipping transfers, if the tax was not in effect on January 1, 2025. The proposed amendment would also prohibit the legislature from increasing the tax rate or expanding the applicability to new parties of a transfer tax that was in effect on January 1, 2025. The proposed amendment would not prohibit the imposition or change in the rate or applicability of a general business tax measured by business activity; a tax on the production of minerals; a tax on the issuance of title insurance; a tax in existence on January 1, 2016; a tax on the transfer of a motor vehicle by gift; or an ad valorem tax on property. Taxpayer Cost: $0  © 2025 29 Bill Number: HJR2 Proposition 8 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS Texas used to collect a Death Tax, but the 84th Legislature passed S.B. 752 effectively repealing Texas' version of the Death Tax. There are a number of states that have enacted a variety of property transfer taxes including, estate, inheritance, and gift taxes. Texans are now concerned that future legislatures could revive the Death Tax or institute other types of property transfer taxes in the years to come. This constitutional amendment would prohibit Texas from enacting a death, estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, gift, or generation-skipping transfer tax on an individual, family, estate, or trust. H.J.R. 2 proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable to a decedent's property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift. POSITIONS //** **// //** **// FAVOR OPPOSE Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Association of Builders, Texas Policy Research HJR 2 would ensure that no death tax could be imposed in Texas by creating a constitutional prohibition, which would help guarantee that heirs and beneficiaries could continue to retain property and assets after the passing of a loved one. Death taxes can be burdensome and could lead to estate-planning and tax-avoidance strategies that are inefficient. The money that a person leaves at their death has already been taxed once, and the government should be limited in the number of times it can tax the same assets. Although Texas does not currently have a death tax, HJR 2 would ensure that future legislatures could not institute one. A “Yes” Vote supports prohibiting the state legislature from imposing a tax on a decedent’s property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift. A “No” Vote opposes prohibiting the state legislature from imposing a tax on a decedent’s property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift. True Texas Project Amending the state Constitution to prohibit a death tax that does not currently exist could hinder future legislatures from acting in the best interest of the state and lead to unintended consequences. Constitutional amendments should be reserved for the most critical matters concerning the state, and there is currently no proposal in the Legislature to institute a death tax. Taxpayer Cost: Undetermined  Bill Number: HJR1 Proposition 9 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Meyer|Bonnen|Button|Martinez Fischer|Bernal Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 112 [ 39/73 ] 31 [ 11/20] NO 13 [ 8/5 ] 0 [ 0/0] NV 25 [15/10 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 94.9% 86.2% R D House Bill 9, the implementing legislation for Proposition 9, was passed during the 2025 legislative session. It would take effect on January 1, 2026, if Proposition 9 is approved. HB 9 would authorize the $125,000 property exemption for tangible personal property used for income production in the state tax code. It would repeal the existing exemption of less than $2,500 in taxable value. The exemption could be claimed in each location in a taxing unit where the property is held or used. HB 9 would also require all taxable property located in separate areas but within the same taxing jurisdiction to be combined to determine the total taxable value. A person who owns personal tangible property for the production of income would be entitled to the exemption regardless of whether the property is held at a leased location within the taxing jurisdiction. The bill would also require a person to render tangible personal property owned or held for the production of income if the total market value of the property is greater than the exempted amount. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 8 Add section(s): Delete section(s): Amend section(s): 1(g) Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY The original property tax exemption for tangible property used for income production was added to the Texas Constitution in 1995. Proposition 12 was approved with 70% of the vote. It added subsections (g) and (h) to the constitution, which authorized property tax exemptions for property used for income production and mineral interest if its taxable value was less than the minimum amount needed to cover the tax administration costs of the property. © 2025 30 HJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to change the amount of tangible personal property held or used for the production of income that the legislature could exempt from property taxes to $125,000 rather than the minimum amount sufficient to recover the costs of property tax administration. Taxpayer Cost: $ 2.3 B (2027 - 2030) See Fiscal Note @ TLO  © 2025 31 Bill Number: HJR1 Proposition 9 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS H.J.R. 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income. The bill would provide definitions for “related business entity” and “unified business enterprise.” The chief appraiser would have the right to investigate whether an entity is a related business entity and has eligible aggregated tangible personal property. The bill would require a person to render tangible personal property the person owns that is held or used for the production of income only if, in the person 's opinion, the aggregate market value of the property having taxable situs in the same location in at least one taxing unit that participates in the appraisal district is greater than the exempted amount. The bill would provide rendition requirements related to the tangible personal property that has taxable situs in an appraisal district, the duration of certain rendition choices and renditions a chief appraiser can require. POSITIONS //** **// //** **// FAVOR OPPOSE Texas Hotel & Lodging Assoc., NFIB, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Association of Business, Texas Association of Property Tax Professionals, Texas Apartment Assoc., AT&T, Huffines Liberty foundation, Texas Taxpayers & Research Assoc., Texas Oil & Gas Association Texas Chemistry Council, Texas Assoc. of Manufacturers, Texas Realtors, Texas Retailers Assoc., Texas Package Stores Assoc., LIBRE Initiative, Texas Restaurant Assoc. HJR 1 and its enabling legislation, HB 9, would reduce the tax burden on businesses, allowing them to reinvest these savings to expand their operations. HJR 1 also would incentivize businesses to move to Texas or remain in the state to take advantage of the exemption. In addition, the resolution could reduce the need for businesses to move inventory or equipment to avoid paying business personal property taxes on these items. A “Yes” Vote supports authorizing the state legislature to exempt $125,000 of the market value of personal tangible property used for income production from taxes. A “No” Vote opposes authorizing the state legislature to exempt $125,000 of the market value of personal tangible property used for income production from taxes. Harris County Commissioners Court, Travis County Commissions Court HJR 1 would negatively impact county and local government revenues. Counties, municipalities, and special districts could have to raise tax rates to cover the loss in property tax revenue from revising the exemption, which could result in redistributing the property tax burden to homeowners. HJR 1 could encourage business owners to avoid taxes by creating new business entities or spreading inventory across appraisal districts to take advantage of multiple business personal property tax exemptions. Without methods to trace common ownership or coordinate between appraisal districts, a taxing entity would lack the mechanisms to ensure that each taxpayer only received one exemption. Taxpayer Cost: $ 2.3 B (2027 - 2030) See Fiscal Note @ TLO  Bill Number: SJR84 Proposition 10 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Bettencourt Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 129 [ 47/82 ] 31 [ 11/20] NO 0 [ 0/0 ] 0 [ 0/0] NV 21 [15/6 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 100.0% 100.0% R D A homestead property tax exemption reduces the taxable value of a residence. The taxable value can either be the market value or the property's assessed value. Market value is the price at which the property would be sold. Assessed value is calculated by applying an assessment ratio to the market value. Senate Bill 467 (SB 467), the implementing legislation for Proposition 10, would authorize a temporary property tax exemption on the appraised value of an improvement made to a qualifying \\ homestead. The homestead would need to meet the following qualifications: completely destroyed by a fire; was a habitable dwelling immediately prior to the fire; and is uninhabitable for at least 30 days after the date of the fire. The exempted amount would equal the appraised value of the improvement multiplied by a ratio of the number of days remaining in the tax year after the date on which the fire occurs out of 365 days. The person would qualify for the exemption for the tax year in which the fire occurred and would be required to file an application for the exemption with their respective appraisal district no later than 180 days after the date of the fire. To determine whether the improvement qualifies under the bill, the chief appraiser would be authorized to consult with any source they decide to be appropriate, such as a county fire marshal or an insurance adjuster. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 8 Add section(s): Delete section(s): Amend section(s): 1(b) Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Since 1997, Texans have approved four amendments to increase the homestead property tax exemption. They were all approved with at least 83% of voters. The largest increase was from $40,000 to $100,000 in 2023. © 2025 32 SJR 84 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to create a temporary property tax exemption for the appraised value of an improvement to a person’s residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire. The proposed amendment authorizes the legislature to prescribe the duration of the exemption and to establish additional eligibility requirements for the exemption. Taxpayer Cost: Undetermined See Fiscal Note @ TLO  © 2025 33 Bill Number: SJR84 Proposition 10 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS S.J.R. 84 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide a temporary property tax exemption for a homestead property damaged by fire. S.J.R. 84 is the constitutional amendment for S.B. 467. S.J.R. 84 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire. POSITIONS FAVOR OPPOSE South Texans’ Property Rights Association, Texas Policy Research “Proposition 10 upholds individual liberty and private property rights by ensuring homeowners are not taxed on homes that no longer exist. It allows narrowly tailored, compassionate relief without mandating new programs or increasing government scope, consistent with limited government principles.” – Texas Policy Research A “Yes” Vote supports authorizing the state legislature to provide a temporary homestead exemption for improvements made to residences destroyed by fire. A “No” Vote opposes authorizing the state legislature to provide a temporary homestead exemption for improvements made to residences destroyed by fire. Taxpayer Cost: $ 2.3 B (2027 - 2030) See Fiscal Note @ TLO  Bill Number: SJR85 Proposition 11 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Bettencourt Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 145 [ 60/85 ] 31 [ 11/20] NO 0 [ 0/0 ] 0 [ 0/0] NV 5 [2/3 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 100.0% 100.0% R D A homestead property tax exemption reduces the taxable value of a residence. The taxable value can either be the market value or the property's assessed value. Market value is the price at which the property would be sold. Assessed value is calculated by applying an assessment ratio to the market value. Senate Bill 23 (SB 23), the implementing legislation for Proposition 11, would increase the homestead tax exemption for elderly and disabled residents from $10,000 to $60,000 \\ of the appraised value of the homestead. The bill would also provide funds to school districts if the combined state and local revenue used to service existing debt does not meet the minimum payment on eligible debt as of September 1, 2025, due to the increase of the homestead exemption under the amendment. SB 23 would also authorize the state to provide additional financial aid to school districts if the combined state and local revenue used for maintenance and operations is less than the amount the district would be entitled to if the exemption increase was not approved TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 8 Add section(s): Delete section(s): Amend section(s): 1(b) Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Since 2000, Texas voters have decided on and approved six constitutional amendments related to property tax limits or exemptions for elderly or disabled persons or their surviving spouses. Each was approved with at least 78% of voters supporting it. (2003: Prop. 13 and 17, 2007: Prop. 1, 2015: Prop. 1, 2021: Prop 7, and 2022: Prop. 1) © 2025 34 SJR 85 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from property taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is 65 years of age or older or a person who is disabled from $10,000 to $60,000. Taxpayer Cost: $ 2.7 B (2026 – 2030) See Fiscal Note @ TLO  © 2025 35 Bill Number: SJR85 Proposition 11 STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS S.J.R. 85 seeks to propose an amendment to the Texas Constitution to authorize the legislature to increase the additional homestead exemption for over-65 and disabled homestead property owners from $10,000 to $60,000. S.J.R. 85 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled. POSITIONS //** **// //** **// FAVOR OPPOSE Texas Association of Builders, Texas Realtors, Texas Silver- Haired Legislature, South Texans’ Property Rights Association “By increasing the residence homestead property tax exemption for individuals who are elderly and disabled, SJR 85 would increase housing affordability and provide protection for a vulnerable population. Many individuals who qualify for this exemption live on a fixed income and face rising medical insurance costs. Individuals who are elderly and disabled also often have to make expensive modifications to their homes, such as adding ramps or accessibility features to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, and other medical devices. Providing an increase in the homestead exemption for these individuals would help them to stay in their homes and their neighborhoods. Keeping seniors in the homes they’ve lived in for decades is especially valuable, as it contributes to continuity and stability in the community.” A “Yes” Vote supports amending the state constitution to increase the property tax exemption from $10,000 to $60,000 of the market value for homesteads owned by elderly or disabled individuals. A “No” Vote opposes amending the state constitution to increase the property tax exemption from $10,000 to $60,000 of the market value for homesteads owned by elderly or disabled individuals. Texas Policy Research Taxpayer Cost: $ 2.7 B (2026 – 2030) See Fiscal Note @ TLO “While compassionate in intent, this measure shifts the tax burden onto younger and non-exempt Texans, expands state spending commitments without reform, and erodes tax equity. True relief should come through comprehensive reform — not piecemeal exemptions that weaken limited government and fiscal discipline.” – Texas Policy Research  Bill Number: SJR27 Proposition 12 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the membership of the tribunal to review the commission's recommendations, and the authority of the commission, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Huffman Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 119 [ 32/87 ] 27 [ 7/20] NO 17 [ 17/0 ] 4 [ 4/0] NV 14 [13/1 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 100.0% 65.0% R D The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) was created with the approval of Proposition 8 in 1965. Proposition 8 established the commission in the state constitution and provided for mandatory retirement ages for judges and justices. It was approved with 72.6% of the vote. The SCJC is governed by Article V, Section 1-a of the Texas Constitution, Chapter 33 of the Texas Government Code, the Texas Procedural Rules for the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct. The constitution defines judicial misconduct as the “willful or persistent violation of rules promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas, incompetence in performing the duties of the office, willful violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct, or willful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of [the judge’s] duties or casts public discredit upon the judiciary or administration of justice.” The commission considers all alleged misconduct complaints made by individuals, reported by a news article, or obtained through an investigation. The SCJC is composed of: six judges from the appellate, district, county court at law, constitutional county, justice of the peace, and municipal court levels, two attorneys appointed by the state bar who are not judges, and five citizen members appointed by the governor who are not attorneys or judges. During fiscal year 2024, the SCJC received 1,135 complaints. At the time of the annual report, 49 had resulted in disciplinary action, and 258 cases were still pending. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 5 Add section(s): Delete section(s): Amend section(s): 1(a) Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY The State Commission on Judicial Conduct was established in the state constitution with the approval of Proposition 8 in 1965. Since then, Texas voters have approved six amendments to the section, making changes to the commission composition and authority. All amendments were approved with at least 59% of the vote. © 2025 36 SJR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment to change the membership and procedures of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC). The proposed amendment would: (1) change the membership of the SCJC so that it is composed of six judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court and seven citizens appointed by the Governor who are at least 35 years old, with both groups of appointees requiring the consent of the Texas Senate to be confirmed; (2) restrict the SCJC’s power to issue a private reprimand (or impose a requirement that the person obtain additional training or education) to a person who has not previously been issued a private reprimand and in response to a complaint that does not allege criminal behavior; (3) require the SCJC to find that a person engaged in willful or persistent conduct that is clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of a judge’s duties, or determine that there is other good cause, before issuing a public admonition or punishment; (continued on next page) Taxpayer Cost: No Significant Impact  © 2025 37 Bill Number: SJR27 Proposition 12 A “Yes” Vote supports amending the state constitution to make changes to judicial oversight policies in the state, including changing: the composition of the 13-member state Commission on Judicial Conduct; the composition of the tribunal that reviews the commission's recommendations; and the authority and process for sanctioning and removing judges. A “No” Vote opposes amending the state constitution to make these changes to judicial oversight policies in the state. STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS S.J.R. 27, if approved by the Texas voters, would amend Article V, Section 1-a, of our state Constitution to adjust the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Additionally, the joint resolution adjusts the authority of the commission and Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges for judicial misconduct. S.J.R. 27 proposes a constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the membership of the tribunal to review the commission’s recommendations, and the authority of the commission, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct. POSITIONS //** **// //** **// FAVOR OPPOSE Children’s Court, Texans for Judicial Accountability, Houston Police Officers’ Union, Texas Municipal Police Assoc., Austin Police Assoc., Texas Civil Justice League, Harris County Deputies’ Organization, Dallas Police Assoc., Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Texas Policy Research “The fact that the SCJC sanctions judges in less than 1 percent of all complaints is deeply troubling as it undermines public confidence in judicial accountability and raises serious concerns about transparency and oversight. Such an exceedingly low sanction rate suggests either systemic failure to take complaints seriously or inherent bias in favor of shielding judges from scrutiny, both which compromise the integrity of the judiciary.“ - TJA Individuals EXPLANATORY STATEMENT (cont.) (4) expand the SCJC’s power to order suspension without pay as punishment; (5) give the chief justice of the Texas Supreme Co urt the power to select the appellate-court justices to serve on a tribunal to review the SCJC’s recommendation for the removal or retirement of a person from office, without any re quirement that each court of appeals designate one of its members for consideration by the chief justice; and (6) direct the Texas Supreme Court and Governor to appoint SCJC members to initial terms of two, four, and six years starting on January 1, 2026, with the succeeding terms to be six years, so that upon completion of the initial terms, the SCJC will be composed of members serving staggered six-year terms. Taxpayer Cost: No Significant Impact  Bill Number: SJR2 Proposition 13 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district from $100,000 to $140,000. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Bettencourt, et. al. Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 143 [ 59/84 ] 31 [ 11/20] NO 0 [ 0/0 ] 0 [ 0/0] NV 7 [3/4 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 100.0% 100.0% R D A homestead property tax exemption reduces the taxable value of a residence. The taxable value can either be the market value or the property's assessed value. Market value is the price at which the property would be sold. Assessed value is calculated by applying an assessment ratio to the market value. Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), the implementing legislation for Proposition 13, would increase the homestead tax exemption for residents from $100,000 to $140,000 of the appraised value \\ of the homestead. The would authorize the state to provide funds to school districts if the \\ combined state and local revenue used to service existing debt does not meet the minimum payment on eligible debt as of September 1, 2025, due to the increase of the homestead exemption under the amendment. SB 4 would also authorize the state to provide additional financial aid to school districts if the combined state and local revenue used for maintenance and operations is less than the amount the district would be entitled to if the homestead exemption increase was not approved and the increased maximum compressed tax rate (MCR) enacted under Senate Bill 2 (2023) was not in effect. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 8 Add section(s): Delete section(s): Amend section(s): 1(b) Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Since 1997, Texans have approved four amendments to increase the homestead property tax exemption. They were all approved with at least 83% of voters. The largest increase was from $40,000 to $100,000 in 2023. © 2025 38 SJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory homestead exemption from property taxation for general elementary and secondary public school purposes from $100,000 to $140,000 of the market value of the residence. Taxpayer Cost: $ 5.8 B (2026 – 2030) See Fiscal Note @ TLO  © 2025 39 Bill Number: SJR2 Proposition 13 A “Yes” Vote supports amending the state constitution to increase the property tax exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 of the market value of a homestead. A “No” Vote opposes amending the state constitution to increase the property tax exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 of the market value of a homestead. STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS The 84th Legislature passed and voters approved increasing the residence homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000 in 2015. Similarly, the 87th Legislature passed S.J.R. 2 and was approved by voters in May 2022 increasing the exemption again up to $40,000 per homestead. In the 88th Legislature, Second Called Session, the legislature again raised, and the voters approved, the homestead exemption to $100,000. S.J.R. 2 will ask the voters to increase the residence homestead exemption up to $140,000. S.B. 4 is the enabling legislation for S.J.R. 2. Included in S.B. 4 is a hold-harmless to school districts — the state will make up any formula funding deficit a school district might incur as a result of this exemption increase, including I&S. S.B. 1, the General Appropriations Act, contains a provision to provide 6.8 pennies of school district tax rate compression through the state compression percentage (SCP), which will reduce statewide average ISD tax rates from $.9766[1] to $.9086. The additional 6.8 pennies of compression will provide $133.13 in estimated savings to the average homestead property. This increase in homestead exemption amount will provide an estimated savings of $363.44 to a homeowner's school tax at the statewide ISD average tax rate of $.9086. \\ Combining the $133.13 in average savings attributable to ISD rate compression in S.B. 1 with the $363.44 in savings attributable to the increased homestead exemption in S.B. 4, the combined estimated savings for the average homestead property owner totals $496.57. S.B. 2, 88(2), contained a provision that will continue to automatically provide savings attributable to an increased homestead exemption to over-65 and disabled homestead exemption owners. As local values rise, and tax rates compress in a school district, over-65 and disabled homestead freeze values automatically adjust to provide savings attributable to compression. S.J.R. 2 seeks to increase the constitutional residence homestead exemption amount to $140,000. S.B. 4 is the enabling legislation for S.J.R. 2. POSITIONS //** **// //** **// FAVOR OPPOSE Texas Realtors, Texas Assoc. of Builders, TPPF, Texas Silver Hair Legislature, LIBRE Initiative, Americans for Prosperity, South Texans’ Property Rights Association, Texas Policy Research “While this amendment provides short -term relief for homeowners, it does so by shifting the burden onto renters, small businesses, and non-exempt property owners. Broader tax reform, such as permanent M&O rate compression, would deliver more equitable and lasting relief across all Texans.” – Texas Policy Research Taxpayer Cost: $ 5.8 B (2026 – 2030) See Fiscal Note @ TLO  Bill Number: SJR3 Proposition 14 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Huffman Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 123 [ 60/63 ] 31 [ 11/20] NO 21 [ 0/21 ] 0 [ 0/0] NV 6 [2/4 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 79.8% 100.0% R D Over six million Americans have a dementia-related disease, and 100,000 Americans die each year from it, according to the National Institutes of Health. There are several types of dementia, including Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, and vascular dementia. Many individuals diagnosed with dementia have multiple types of dementia. In 2023, the cost of dementia care was estimated to be $345 billion in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Alzheimer’s disease was ranked the 6th highest cause of death in Texas and accounted for over 10,000 deaths in 2022 according to the Alzheimer's Association. The enabling legislation, SB 5, would establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) in the Health and Safety Code until its expiration on September 1, 2035. It would establish an oversight committee of nine members with three members each appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the House. The appointments must include one person who is a physician or scientist with experience working with dementia-related diseases and persons affected by dementia-related diseases. SB 5 would require oversight members to also represent the cultural and geographical diversity of the state. The oversight committee would also be responsible for setting the priorities for each grant program. SB5 would also authorize the hiring of a chief executive officer for DPRIT and its employees. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 3 Add section(s): 68 Delete section(s): Amend section(s): Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Texas voters have approved a similar institute for cancer. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) was created in 2009 after voters approved Proposition 15 in 2007. The ballot measure tasked CPRIT with making grants to public and private researchers, education institutions, and medical research facilities to research the causes of cancer in humans and develop cures, mitigation procedures, and prevention protocols and services.. © 2025 40 SJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to require the legislature to establish a new state agency, the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). The proposed amendment would create the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to be administered by DPRIT. Under the proposed amendment, DPRIT would be responsible for awarding financial grants for research on and the prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. The proposed amendment would also authorize the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to transfer $3 billion from the state general revenue fund to the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund. Taxpayer Cost: $ 3 B  © 2025 41 Bill Number: SJR3 Proposition 14 A “Yes” Vote supports amending the state constitution to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas with $3 billion from the general fund. A “No” Vote opposes amending the state constitution to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas with $3 billion from the general fund. STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS S.J.R. 3, the accompanying proposed constitutional amendment for S.B. 5, proposes a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, as well as the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund. S.J.R. 3 transfers $3 billion from the state's general revenue to the Fund to support research, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. (Original Author's/Sponsor's Statement of Intent) S.J.R. 3 proposes a constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson's disease, and related disorders in this state, and tran sferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue. POSITIONS FAVOR OPPOSE Texas Medical Assoc., Texass Assisted Living Assoc., Texas Children’s Hospital, Opportunity Austin, Alzheimer’s Assoc., Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Baylor, Scott & White Health, HCA Healthcare, Texas Healthcare & Bioscience Institute, AARP Texas, Texas Assoc. of Business, Teaching Hospitals of Texas, Texas Association of Health Plans “CSSJR 3 would accelerate innovation in dementia research by providing grants through DPRIT, which would be modeled in certain respects after the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), the state’s institute for funding cancer researchDPRIT also would help to attract top research talent to the state and create high- quality jobs. By advancing efforts to mitigate the causes and effects of dementia, DPRIT could help relieve caregiving costs in the state, which can burden families for many years. DPRIT also would augment current research efforts by facilitating collaboration among medical and scientific experts. Texas Right To Know, Texas Policy Research Taxpayer Cost: $ 3 B “While well-intentioned, this amendment expands the scope and permanence of government by embedding medical research funding into the Constitution. It bypasses the appropriations process, undermines limited government, and risks crowding out private innovation in healthcare without clear fiscal safeguards or performance accountability..“ – Texas Policy Research  Bill Number: SJR34 Proposition 15 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Hughes Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 112 [ 32/80 ] 31 [ 11/20] NO 22 [ 22/0 ] 0 [ 0/0] NV 16 [8/8 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 100.0% 66.2% R D Texas is one of 26 states that has a Parents' Bill of Rights. The statute holds that parents have the right to access their child's student records, copies of state assessments, and teaching materials, among other provisions. As of June 2025, 26 states have enacted a statewide Parents' Bill of Rights in state law. In some states, they are education-specific, regarding the rights a parent has to be involved in their child's public education. Common \\ examples include notification requirements, opt-out rights, and records access. Other Parents' Bills of Rights are more general, commonly affording parents a right to direct the \\ upbringing of their child. In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed parental rights under the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process clause. In the 6 -3 decision of Troxel v. Glanville, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor writing for the majority said, “[t]he liberty interest at issue in this case— the interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children — is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 1 Add section(s): 37 Delete section(s): Amend section(s): Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Texas voters have approved a similar institute for cancer. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) was created in 2009 after voters approved Proposition 15 in 2007. The ballot measure tasked CPRIT with making grants to public and private researchers, education institutions, and medical research facilities to research the causes of cancer in humans and develop cures, mitigation procedures, and prevention protocols and services.. © 2025 42 SJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment to affirm that a parent has the responsibility to nurture and protect the parent’s child and the corresponding fundamental right to exercise care, custody, and control of the parent’s child, including the right to make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing. Taxpayer Cost: No Significant Impact  © 2025 43 Bill Number: SJR34 Proposition 15 A “Yes” Vote supports amending the Texas Constitution to provide that parents have the right ”to exercise care, custody, and control of the parent’s child, including the right to make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing” and the responsibility ”to nurtu re and protect the parent's child. A “No” Vote opposes amending the Texas Constitution to provide that parents have the right ”to exercise care, custody, and control of the parent’s child, including the right to make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing” and the responsibility ”to nurtu re and protect the parent's child. STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS The constitutional rights of parents currently rest in federal case law. Over the last 100 years, federal case law has outlined specific areas in which parents have a constitutionally protected right to make decisions for their children. However, rights found in case law can change and disappear over time with the appointment of new judges. Placing the rights of parents in the Texas constitution would ensure the longevity of these rights for future generations. S.J.R. 34 codifies the existing U.S. constitutional rights of parents in order to promote the longevity of those rights and provide clarity regarding those rights. In this way, S.J.R. 34 does not change the law. This amendment would merely place into the Texas Constitution the rights of parents already protected by the U.S. Constitution, as laid out in case law. According to the U.S. Supreme Court, the constitutional rights of parents are the “oldest of the fundamental liberty interests” ever recognized by the court. S.J.R. 34 codifies these liberty interests to ensure that they remain protected. S.J.R. 34 proposes a constitutional amendment affirming the rights and responsibilities of parents. POSITIONS FAVOR OPPOSE TPPF, Texas Values, Texans for Vaccine Choice, Family Freedom Project, Texas Eagle Forum, Texas Values Action, Baptist General Convention of Texas Christian Life Commission, Texas Right to Life, Texas Home School Coalition, Texas Policy Research “This is a priority because, currently, the constitutional rights of parents are found only in case law, which is controlled by judges. Those rights could disappear if we have bad judges who make it into office. … Adding parental rights to the Texas Constitution is a critical protection for these most foundational rights that families have, which are essential to the functioning of our society.“ – Texas Home School Coalition Taxpayer Cost: No Significant Impact  Bill Number: SJR37 Proposition 16 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Hughes Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 102 [ 15/87 ] 28 [ 8/20] NO 14 [ 14/0 ] 3 [ 3/0] NV 34 [33/1 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislature Online Reference 100.0% 57.5% R D In 1896, Texas voters approved Proposition 2 by a vote of 83.9% to 16.1% to authorize foreign-born men to vote in state elections if they declare their intent to become U.S. citizens at least six months before an election. Before Proposition 2, the state constitution \\ allowed foreign-born men to vote if they declared their intent to become U.S. citizens at any time before the election. Proposition 2 established the six-month deadline. In 1919, Texas voters defeated an amendment that would have required citizenship to vote. In 1921, Texas voters repealed Proposition 2 with the approval of Proposition 1. It was approved by a margin of 51.7% to 48.3%. Proposition 1 removed references to foreign- born electors from section 2 of Article 6 of the state constitution, effectively repealing their authorization to vote. In 1996, the U.S. Congress passed a law prohibiting noncitizens \\ from voting in federal elections, such as U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and presidential elections. Federal law did not address state or local elections. During the 2023 legislative session, an amendment proposing the same language as the 2025 amendment was rejected by the state House. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 6 Add section(s): Delete section(s): Amend section(s): 1 Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY Currently, under state law, voters must attest to being a citizen when registering to vote. It is a second-degree felony for a noncitizen to vote in the state under the law. © 2025 44 SJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to provide that only United States citizens are allowed to vote in Texas elections. Taxpayer Cost: No Significant Impact  © 2025 45 Bill Number: SJR37 Proposition 16 A “Yes” Vote supports amending the Texas Constitution to provide that ”persons who are not citizens of the United States“ cannot vote in Texas. A “No” Vote opposes amending the Texas Constitution to provide that ”persons who are not citizens of the United States“ cannot vote in Texas. STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS The constitutional rights of parents currently rest in federal case law. Over the last 100 years, federal case law has outlined specific areas in which parents have a constitutionally protected right to make decisions for their children. However, rights found in case law can change and disappear over time with the appointment of new judges. Placing the rights of parents in the Texas constitution would ensure the longevity of these rights for future generations. S.J.R. 34 codifies the existing U.S. constitutional rights of parents in order to promote the longevity of those rights and provide clarity regarding those rights. In this way, S.J.R. 34 does not change the law. This amendment would merely place into the Texas Constitution the rights of parents already protected by the U.S. Constitution, as laid out in case law. According to the U.S. Supreme Court, the constitutional rights of parents are the ”oldest of the fundamental liberty interests“ ever recognized by the court. S.J.R. 34 codifies these liberty interests to ensure that they remain protected. S.J.R. 34 proposes a constitutional amendment affirming the rights and responsibilities of parents. POSITIONS FAVOR OPPOSE TPPF, Americans For Citizens Voting, Republican Party of Texas, Texas Policy Research “Proposition 16 affirms individual liberty and limited government by clearly tying voting rights to citizenship and civic responsibility. It acts as a constitutional safeguard with minimal fiscal impact, reinforcing electoral integrity and state sovereignty.“ – Texas Policy Research Taxpayer Cost: No Significant Impact ACLU of Texas, Democrat Party of Texas, Common Cause, Texas Civil Rights Project, Libertarian Party of Texas  Bill Number: HJR34 Proposition 17 Ba llo t W or ding The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the property of border security infrastructure and related improvements. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT Author: Guillen Chamber Votes: House [ D / R ] Senate [ D / R ] YES 116 [ 35/81 ] 23 [3/20] NO 20 [ 19/1 ] 8 [ 8/0] NV 14 [8/6 ] 0 [ 0/0 ] Support BACKGROUND Texas Legislatur8/6e Online Reference 99.0% 58.5% R D As of February 20, 2025, the Texas Facilities Commission has completed 56.9 miles of border wall and has closed on 105 easements that enable the construction of border infrastructure on private land. The author informed the committee that the installation of border security infrastructure on private land could place an unexpected and unfair burden on property owners who dedicate land for that purpose by increasing the property's appraised value, which could increase property taxes. C.S.H.J.R. 34 seeks to ensure that property owners supporting border security efforts are not financially penalized for their contributions by providing a property tax exemption for the value added to property through the construction or installation of border security infrastructure and related improvements. According to the Comptroller of Public Accounts, there is currently active construction happening in Cameron,Starr, Zapata, Webb, Maverick, and Val Verde counties that could be subject to the exemption. TEXAS CONSTITUTION IMPACT(S) Article(s): 8 Add section(s): Delete section(s): Amend section(s): 1(y) Full Resolution Text CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY © 2025 46 HJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to exempt from property taxation, in counties that border the United Mexican States, the portion of a real property’s assessed value that arose from the installation or construction of border security infrastructure and related improvements. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to define “border security infrastructure” and prescribe additional eligibility requirements for the exemption. Taxpayer Cost: No Significant Impact See Fiscal Note @ TLO HB247  © 2025 47 Bill Number: SJR37 Proposition 17 A “Yes” Vote supports allowing the Texas State Legislature to exempt from property taxes increases in a property's value — located in a county bordering Mexico — that results from building or installing border security infrastructure. A “No” Vote opposes allowing the Texas State Legislature to exempt from property taxes increases in a property's value — located in a county bordering Mexico — that results from building or installing border security infrastructure. STATEMENT OF INTENT / ANALYSIS As of February 20, 2025, the Texas Facilities Commission has completed 56.9 miles of border wall and has closed on 105 easements that enable the construction of border infrastructure on private land. The author informed the committee that the installation of border security infrastructure on private land could place an unexpected and unfair burden on property owners who dedicate land for that purpose by increasing the property's appraised value, which could increase property taxes. H.J.R. 34 seeks to ensure that property owners supporting border security efforts are not financially penalized for their contributions by providing a property tax exemption for the value added to property through the construction or installation of border security infrastructure and related improvements. H.J.R. 34 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the property of border security infrastructure and related improvements. POSITIONS FAVOR OPPOSE Texas Farm Bureau, South Texans’ Property Rights Association, Texas Policy Research “The tax exemption authorized under the resolution would be provided for the value of the infrastructure installed on the property and any increase in property value from the improvements, and would not reduce the appraised value of the existing property.” Taxpayer Cost: No Significant Impact See Fiscal Note @ TLO HB247 True Texas Project “The state should not provide tax exemptions that incentivize further border security infrastructure construction on private land, especially for state-supported construction of walls or the installation of surveillance equipment. Additionally, CSHJR 34 would narrow the tax base and could shift the tax burden onto other property owners by removing property value from the tax rolls. The Legislature should focus on providing broad-based tax relief rather than carving out certain limited exemptions..”  © 2025 48 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES (By Proposition Number) //, // 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 //, // 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 //, // LBB Fiscal Note , Bill Analysis , Enrolled Bill Summary , LBB Fiscal Note , Bill Analysis , Enrolled Bill Summary ,  © 2025 49 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES (Legislative Summary) //, // 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 //, // 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 //, // HJR/SJR , Enabling Legislation , LBB Fiscal Note , Enabling Legislation , SJR59 , HJR2 , HJR133 , HJR4 , HJR99 , HJR7 , SJR5 , SJR18 //, // HJR1 , SJR84 , HJR34 , SJR37 , SJR34 , SJR3 , SJR2 , SJR27 , SJR85 , HB2508 , HB1399 SB7 , HB9 , SB467 //, // HB247 //, // SB4 //, // SB293 //, // SB23 //, //  © 2025 50 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES (All Propositions) //, // SoS Explanatory Statements BallotPedia SoS Ballot Order SoS Explanatory Statements (Spanish) SoS Ballot Order (Spanish)  © 2025 51 2025 Constitutional Amendment Propositions Voting Notes Print The Following Three (3) Pages, Mark With Your Voting Preference, and Take With You To The Poll To Assist You With Casting Your Ballot  © 2025 52 No. Ballot Wording Yes No 1 The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System. 2 The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust. 3 The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony. 4 The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue. 5 The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail. 6 The constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from enacting a law imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions. 7 The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected. 8 The constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable to a decedent's property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift. Texas Constitutional Amendments Voting Notes (Page 1)  © 2025 53 No. Ballot Wording Yes No 9 The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income. 10 The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire. 11 The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled. 12 The constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the membership of the tribunal to review the commission's recommendations, and the authority of the commission, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct. 13 The constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district from $100,000 to $140,000. 14 The constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue. 15 The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children. Texas Constitutional Amendments Voting Notes (Page 2)  © 2025 54 No. Ballot Wording Yes No 16 The constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen. 17 The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the property of border security infrastructure and related improvements. Texas Constitutional Amendments Voting Notes (Page 3)  2025 Constitutional Amendments Voter’s Guide © 2025 A qr code with a star in the middle AI-generated content may be incorrect. 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