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
