Mineral Wells Area News

By Gary Norman / Mineral Wells Area News

Every two years, the Texas Legislature meets for 140 days to pass laws addressing statewide and local issues. While some laws take effect upon passage, others require changes to the Texas Constitution before they can take effect. These proposed changes appear on the ballot as constitutional amendments.

The current Texas Constitution, adopted in 1876 during the Reconstruction era, was written with deep mistrust of centralized authority. Instead of establishing broad powers, it tightly limits state authority—resulting in a constitution frequently amended over time. Since 1876, lawmakers have proposed 706 constitutional amendments, with 521 approved and 185 rejected by voters.

The recently completed 89th session of the Legislature has placed 17 statewide propositions before Texas voters this year. Early voting runs October 20–31, and Election Day is November 4.

Proposition 1

Creation of the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund and Available Workforce Education Fund

Would create funds to support the Texas State Technical College System for campus improvements and workforce training.

Proposition 2

Prohibition of a State Tax on Capital Gains

Prevents the Legislature from taxing realized or unrealized profits on personal or business assets.

Proposition 3

Denial of Bail for Certain Felony Offenses

Requires judges to deny bail for those accused of violent felonies if they are deemed likely to flee or reoffend.

Proposition 4

Dedication of Sales Tax Revenue to the Texas Water Fund

Directs $1 billion in sales tax revenue annually for 20 years into the Texas Water Fund to support water development, flood mitigation, and conservation.

Proposition 5

Property Tax Exemption for Retail Animal Feed Inventory

Exempts feed held for sale for farm, ranch, or commercial animals from property taxes.

Proposition 6

Ban on Securities Transaction Taxes

Prevents the Legislature from taxing securities exchanges or individual transactions.

Proposition 7

Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Deceased Veterans

Exempts from property taxes the home of a surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a service-related condition.

Proposition 8

Ban on Estate and Inheritance Taxes

Prohibits the state from imposing taxes on estates, inheritances, or gifts.

Proposition 9

Increased Exemption for Business Personal Property

Raises the property-tax exemption for business equipment and inventory from $2,500 to $125,000.

Proposition 10

Temporary Property-Tax Relief for Homes Damaged by Fire

Allows a temporary exemption for the portion of a residence destroyed by fire if uninhabitable for at least 30 days.

Proposition 11

Higher Homestead Exemption for the Elderly and Disabled

Raises the school district property-tax exemption for seniors and disabled Texans from $10,000 to $60,000.

Proposition 12

Changes to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct

Revises membership and appointment methods for the Commission and its review tribunal to strengthen judicial accountability.

Proposition 13

Increase of General Homestead Exemption

Raises the school district homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000.

Proposition 14

Creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas

Establishes a research institute funded with $3 billion from the state’s General Revenue to study and prevent dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.

Proposition 15

Affirmation of Parental Rights

Adds language to the Constitution affirming that parents are the primary decision-makers in the upbringing and care of their children.

Proposition 16

Voter Citizenship Requirement

Clarifies that only U.S. citizens may vote in Texas elections.

Proposition 17

Property-Tax Exemption for Border Security Infrastructure

Allows property-tax exemptions in border counties for land improvements such as roads or barriers built for border security.

Early Voting: October 20–31, 2025

Election Day: November 4, 2025

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