TEXAS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
November 4, 2025
VOTING INFORMATION

Proposition 1 – Technical College Infrastructure Funds

• Supporters argue: This amendment provides $850 million to expand Texas State Technical College facilities, addressing the skills gap and fueling workforce growth.

• Concerns raised: Embedding this in the Constitution limits flexibility and circumvents normal budget oversight. A statutory approach would better preserve transparency and fiscal discipline.

 

I am still considering how I will vote: Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is widely recognized as a national model for performance-based funding in higher education. Since 2014, TSTC has operated under a “returned value” funding formula adopted by the Texas Legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The college’s state funding is tied to its graduates’ employment outcomes—specifically, their wages in the Texas workforce after graduation. TSTC receives more funding when students earn higher-paying jobs, and less if graduates don’t find employment. This model directly links taxpayer support to measurable results, incentivizing the college to train students for in-demand, high-wage careers.

The policy is designed so that over any 10-year span, the value of the fund’s distributions—adjusted for inflation or similar measures—remains stable. It does not require future Legislatures to reapprove the same allocation every decade, but it does impose fiscal discipline on how the fund’s money is managed and distributed. Essentially, it serves as a guardrail to ensure that the fund operates in a transparent, disciplined, and sustainable manner over time. However, because this framework would be embedded in the state Constitution, it would be more difficult—though not impossible—for future Legislatures to depart from that discipline without appearing to violate the constitutional commitment.

 

I fully support preparing Texans for skilled, high-paying jobs and recognize the importance of strong workforce training programs. The intent here is to ensure these funds are not removed, should Republicans no longer be in control. Some fear Democrats would revert the funds back to Ivory Tower Universities to create more liberal programs at Texas Universities. However, I remain cautious about permanently embedding specific funding commitments in the Constitution. Investments like these should go through the regular budget process, where they can be debated, adjusted, and reviewed each session. While workforce development is critical to Texas’s prosperity, we must also preserve transparency, fiscal discipline, and the principle of limited government.

 

Proposition 2 – Ban on Capital Gains Tax

• Supporters argue: This measure strengthens Texas’s identity as a no-income-tax state by prohibiting both realized and unrealized capital gains taxes. It is framed as protection of liberty, property rights, and long-term economic competitiveness.

• Concerns raised: Critics caution against constitutionalizing tax prohibitions that could tie the hands of future legislatures in unforeseen circumstances.

 

I will be voting YES on Prop 2: I strongly support Proposition 2 because it protects Texans from ever facing a capital gains tax, whether realized or unrealized. Texas has thrived as a no-income-tax state, and this amendment reinforces our commitment to liberty, property rights, and economic competitiveness. While some argue that locking this into the Constitution “ties the hands” of future legislatures, I believe that is exactly the point—future lawmakers should not be able to impose new taxes that threaten our prosperity and burden Texas families. Enshrining this protection in the Constitution ensures stability, predictability, and continued growth for generations to come.

 

Proposition 3 – Denial of Bail for Certain Offenses

• Supporters argue: This ensures violent and repeat offenders cannot buy their way out of jail, enhancing public safety. Law enforcement groups strongly support it.

• Concerns raised: Texas Policy Research and civil liberties groups warn that expanding pretrial detention risks eroding due process, undermines judicial discretion, and entrenches government overreach.

 

I will be voting YES on Prop 3: I support Proposition 3 because violent and repeat offenders should not be allowed to buy their way back onto our streets while awaiting trial. This amendment strengthens public safety by keeping dangerous individuals behind bars and protecting law-abiding Texans from further harm. While some worry about limiting judicial discretion, I believe the greater responsibility is to safeguard our communities and stand with law enforcement in ensuring justice and security.

It is unfortunate that we live in a time when some activist judges fail to do the right thing, and that is precisely why the Legislature is addressing this issue. Ideally, we could always trust judicial discretion, but that is simply not the reality in some portions of our state. Proposition 3 is a response to abuses of judicial discretion by bad judges who have failed in their duty to protect the public and uphold justice. Rather than allowing these to continue putting communities at risk, this amendment helps ensure that dangerous offenders are not released to harm others while awaiting trial.

We should, of course, continue to value and support the many good judges across Texas who exercise prudent discretion while maintaining the presumption of innocence. Our jurisprudence is rightly centered on the principle that it is better for the guilty to go free than for the innocent to be wrongly punished. However, when judges misuse their discretion in ways that endanger the public, the Legislature has a responsibility to act. We also need stronger laws to hold bad judges accountable and to make it easier to remove those who consistently disregard justice and public safety.

If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where you can trust your judges to make sound, fair decisions, that is wonderful. But when voting on this amendment, think of those areas where that is not the case and remember, criminals do not stay confined to one part of Texas. This measure protects every community by ensuring dangerous offenders remain off our streets and our families stay safe.

 

Proposition 4 – Sales Tax Allocation to Texas Water Fund

• Supporters argue: With Texas facing an estimated $154 billion water infrastructure funding gap, dedicating $1 billion annually from sales tax revenues would provide stable funding to secure Texas’s water future.

• Concerns raised: The measure does not guarantee new water supply development and could lead to overreliance on groundwater transfers from rural to urban areas. They also caution against allowing the Legislature to reduce the allocation midstream.

 

I will be voting YES on Prop 4: I support Proposition 4 because water is the single most critical resource for Texas families, farmers, and businesses. Unlike Proposition 1, where I opposed a permanent constitutional funding dedication for technical colleges, this measure is different. Every Texan depends on water, and securing a reliable supply requires long-term planning, stability, and assurance that funding will be there year after year. By dedicating revenue to the Texas Water Fund, we can begin to close the infrastructure gap and give our businesses the confidence they need to invest in critical projects that will sustain quality of life for generations.

 

Proposition 5 – Property Tax Exemption for Animal Feed

• Supporters argue: Provides property tax relief for livestock producers throughout the state by allowing the Legislature to exempt animal feed from property tax. At the time of year when property taxes are calculated, feed sellers’ warehouses are generally fully stocked due to the seasonal needs of the agriculture business. As a result of these large inventories, sellers have to pay high taxes. Exempting feed held by retailers from property tax would help make animal feed more affordable for Texans.

• Concerns raised: By establishing an exemption for animal feed, this proposition would give an unfair tax benefit to feed sellers. Almost all other forms of inventory are subject to property tax. The state should not create a special exemption for this particular type of inventory under the Tax Code. We must be cautious in proliferating carveouts that complicate the tax code and pick winners and losers. 

 

I will be voting NO on Prop 5: This is a hard one for me. I deeply value Texas agriculture and understand how important affordable feed is to our farmers and ranchers. The food and fiber industry continues to face significant challenges, and the cost of producing real, quality food is rising steadily. This measure provides meaningful support to the hardworking Texans who put food on our tables. That’s why I initially voted for this measure on the House floor. However, I believe the ultimate goal should be to eliminate property taxes altogether, not to carve out exemptions for certain groups while leaving others behind. While this proposition seeks to help agriculture, Texans deserve a fair, simple, and consistent path to real property tax relief.

 

Proposition 6 – Prohibition of Securities Transaction Taxes

• Supporters argue: This is a plan to change the Texas Constitution so the state cannot create any new taxes on stock trades or on the companies involved in stock trading. In other words, Texas would ban taxes on buying/selling stocks and on stock exchanges or similar financial businesses. Supporters say this would let investors keep more of their money and help Texas’s economy grow. This idea comes up now because Texas is launching its own stock exchange, and even some big national stock exchanges are thinking about moving to Texas. The thinking is that if Texas promises a no-tax environment for these financial transactions, those businesses are more likely to set up shop in Texas and boost the state’s economy.

• Concerns raised: This proposition would make it harder for future legislatures to make tax policy by including a prohibition on securities transaction taxes in the state constitution. The state may experience an economic downturn and could benefit from having a securities transaction or occupation tax to raise revenues at that time.

 

I will vote YES for Prop 6: This proposition protects Texas investors and strengthens our economy by prohibiting taxes on stock trades and related occupations. As I said earlier in support of Proposition 2, some critics warn this “ties the hands” of future legislatures. I believe that is exactly the point. Future lawmakers should not be able to easily impose new taxes that threaten our prosperity and burden Texas families. With the Texas Stock Exchange being established and other exchanges considering moving here, this amendment sends a clear message: Texas is committed to being a business-friendly, low-tax state where investment can thrive and opportunity can grow.

 

Proposition 7 – Homestead Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Veterans

• Supporters argue: Extends property tax relief to widows and widowers of veterans who die from service-related illnesses, closing a gap in current law. TPR calls this a just recognition of sacrifice.

• Concerns raised: Further exemptions add complexity to an already convoluted property tax system, underscoring the need for broader reform. Additionally, by expanding property tax exemptions to the spouses of deceased veterans, the resolution could burden other taxpayers with disproportionately higher tax rates, especially near military bases and surrounding areas where there are larger populations of veteran families who would qualify for such an exemption.

 

I will vote YES for Prop 7: This proposition is a difficult one for me. While I opposed certain carveouts and exemption,. I believe this situation is different. Veterans and their families have given extraordinary service and sacrifice to our country and our state. Extending property tax relief to the surviving spouses of those who lost their lives from service-related illnesses is not about special treatment. It's about honoring that sacrifice with lasting recognition and support. While I remain committed to broader reform that simplifies and ultimately eliminates property taxes, I support this measure as a way to stand with the families of those who stood for us.

 

Proposition 8 – Prohibition on Estate and Inheritance Taxes

• Supporters argue: Locks in Texas’s commitment to no death taxes, ensuring heirs can retain property without double taxation.

• Concerns raised: Opponents argue this is unnecessary since Texas has no estate tax today, and it may tie the hands of future legislatures.

 

I will vote YES on Prop 8: I support Proposition 8 because it protects Texas families from ever facing an estate or inheritance tax. Texas does not have a so-called “death tax” today, and this amendment makes it much more difficult for future lawmakers to impose one. Like I’ve said before, some argue that measures like this “tie the hands” of future legislatures—but I believe that is a good thing. Future lawmakers should not be able to create new taxes that threaten the ability of families to pass down their property and hard-earned savings. This amendment reaffirms Texas’s commitment to being a low-tax, pro-family state.

 

 

Proposition 9 – $125,000 Exemption for Business Personal Property

• Supporters argue: Reduces the property tax burden on businesses, encouraging reinvestment, growth, and competitiveness.

• Concerns raised: Opponents argue that this measure could reduce local and state tax revenue, forcing counties and cities to raise rates and potentially shifting more of the property tax burden onto homeowners. They also warn that businesses might exploit loopholes by spreading inventory or creating new entities to claim multiple exemptions, making enforcement more difficult.

 

I will vote YES on Prop 9: I support Proposition 9 because it helps Texas businesses grow by cutting unnecessary red tape and reducing taxes on essential equipment and inventory. By exempting up to $250,000 of business personal property from taxation, this amendment will ease the burden on small business owners, allowing them to reinvest in their operations, create jobs, and strengthen our economy. It also simplifies the system for both business owners and local appraisal districts by reducing paperwork, complex valuations, and costly disputes. While some have suggested this change could reduce local tax revenue, the impact would be minimal since most business personal property taxes are paid by large companies. The economic benefits and small business growth that result from this measure will far outweigh any short-term revenue loss.

 

Proposition 10 – Temporary Property Tax Exemption for Destroyed Homesteads

• Supporters argue: This amendment gives the Legislature authority to provide temporary property tax relief to homeowners whose houses are completely destroyed by fire, ensuring Texans are not taxed on homes that no longer exist.

• Concerns raised: Some caution that expanding property tax exemptions, even for compassionate reasons, adds complexity to the system and may further entrench exemptions instead of broader reform.

 

I will vote YES on Prop 10: When tragedy strikes, Texans pull together. This amendment upholds private property rights and limited government by ensuring homeowners are not forced to pay taxes on property that’s been destroyed. It offers narrowly tailored relief without expanding government programs or spending, reflecting both compassion and common sense.

 

Proposition 11 – Increased School Tax Exemption for Elderly and Disabled Homeowners

• Supporters argue: Raises the additional school property tax exemption for seniors and disabled Texans from $10,000 to $60,000, offering meaningful relief to those on fixed incomes.

• Concerns raised: Critics note that increasing targeted exemptions shifts the burden to younger Texans and renters and further complicates the tax system, adding state spending obligations without reform.

 

I will vote YES on Prop 11: I support Proposition 10 because it gives real, visible relief to some of the Texans who need it most—our seniors and those living with disabilities. Many of these individuals live on fixed incomes and face rising costs for healthcare, insurance, and home modifications that allow them to live safely and independently. This measure helps them stay in their homes and remain part of their communities, preserving stability and dignity for our most vulnerable neighbors.

While I don’t like pushing the tax burden onto others, I believe this is a fair and compassionate step in the right direction. Ultimately, I want to eliminate property taxes altogether, but until we reach that goal, targeted relief for those at greatest risk of losing their homes is the right thing to do.

 

Proposition 12 – Judicial Accountability and Conduct Reform

• Supporters argue: Expands and strengthens the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to increase transparency, add public representation, and hold judges accountable for misconduct.

• Concerns raised: Some caution that restructuring could politicize the process or erode judicial independence if not carefully managed.

 

I will vote YES on Prop 12: This amendment strengthens transparency, fairness, and accountability in our judicial system. By reforming the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, it ensures that judges are held to the highest standards of integrity and that misconduct is addressed swiftly and openly. Adding more public representation increases independence and restores trust in the system, while limiting secret sanctions promotes transparency and confidence in our courts. Texans deserve a judiciary that serves justice with integrity—and this measure helps make that a reality.

 

Proposition 13 – Increase Homestead Exemption for School Property Taxes

• Supporters argue: Raises the school homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, lowering property taxes for homeowners while maintaining school funding through state reimbursement.

• Concerns raised: Opponents warn that targeted exemptions shift the tax burden onto renters and businesses and may encourage more temporary fixes instead of real reform.

 

I will vote YES on Prop 13: Provides meaningful tax relief for homeowners by increasing the school district homestead exemption, helping families, seniors on fixed incomes, and first-time homebuyers keep more of what they earn. It offers broad-based relief without cutting school funding and will help strengthen the housing market and our economy.

That said, this measure alone won’t fix our broken property tax system. It’s a step in the right direction, but we must pair it with lasting reforms that cap local government spending, prevent future tax hikes, and move Texas closer to eliminating property taxes entirely. The benefits of immediate relief for Texas families outweigh the drawbacks, but true reform is still my ultimate goal.

 

Proposition 14 – Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas

• Supporters argue: Creates a new state institute with $3 billion in dedicated funding for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and related research, modeled after the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

• Concerns raised: Critics say this would permanently expand government, bypass the appropriations process, and embed a costly spending program in the Constitution with little oversight.

 

I will vote NO on Prop 14: I care deeply about those affected by dementia and related diseases, but permanently embedding billions in state spending into the Constitution is not the answer. Medical research is best advanced through private innovation and competitive grants, not another state bureaucracy that bypasses fiscal accountability and legislative oversight.

Proposition 15 – Parental Rights Amendment

• Supporters argue: Formally recognizes that parents are the primary decision-makers for their children’s education and upbringing, protecting families from government overreach.

• Concerns raised: Opponents claim it could limit state or local ability to intervene in cases of neglect or public-health concerns, though existing laws already protect against abuse.

 

I will vote YES on Prop 15: Parents, not the government, are the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives. It protects the rights and responsibilities of parents to guide their children’s upbringing, education, and care without unnecessary government interference. Proposition 15 upholds the principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government by allowing state involvement only when there is a compelling need, such as protecting a child from harm. It’s a common-sense safeguard that strengthens families and preserves freedom in Texas homes.

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Proposition 16 – Voting Limited to U.S. Citizens

• Supporters argue: Clarifies in the Texas Constitution that only U.S. citizens may vote in Texas elections, ensuring election integrity and preserving state sovereignty.

• Concerns raised: Critics note that current law already limits voting to citizens, making this amendment largely symbolic.

 

I will vote YES on Prop 16: This amendment makes it clear that only U.S. citizens can vote in Texas elections—protecting the integrity of our democratic process and preserving confidence in our elections. While state and federal law already limit voting to citizens, Article VI of the Texas Constitution currently lists disqualified voters such as minors, certain felons, and individuals deemed mentally incompetent—but it does not explicitly include non-citizens. Proposition 16 corrects that omission by adding non-citizens as a fourth class of those prohibited from voting.

Several other states and local jurisdictions, including in California, Maryland, New York, and Vermont, have allowed non-citizens to vote in local elections. While that’s not currently legal in Texas, this amendment serves as a proactive safeguard to prevent similar efforts here. I carried legislation to prevent non-citizens from registering to vote, and although it did not make it through the Calendars Committee last session, I look forward to passing it next session. Enshrining this protection in our Constitution ensures that voting remains a sacred right reserved for U.S. citizens—and that Texas elections stay secure for generations to come.

 

Proposition 17 – Property Tax Exemption for Border Security Infrastructure

• Supporters argue: Allows the Legislature to exempt from property tax any increase in value resulting from border security improvements, protecting landowners who invest in fencing, lighting, or surveillance.

• Concerns raised: Some caution that any new exemption adds complexity to the system, though this one is narrowly targeted.

 

I will vote YES on Prop 17: This amendment protects property owners in Texas border counties from being penalized with higher taxes when they voluntarily invest in border security improvements like fencing, lighting, or surveillance. Texans along the border shouldn’t be penalized with higher property taxes for investing in security improvements that help protect their property and our state. It’s a targeted fix that respects landowners’ freedom to strengthen security without fear of financial punishment and does so without growing government or increasing spending.