"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."
Proposition 1
Pros:
Provides more funding to technical schools, helping them serve more students.
Expands access for students who may not afford traditional college.
Encourages more students to pursue post-high school education.
Increases the number of trained tradespeople, giving Texans more service options and potentially lowering costs for services like electricians and mechanics.
Cons:
Added cost from the Texas government.
Funding levels aren’t set by lawmakers.
Because it functions outside the usual process, some people may view it as less transparent.
This proposed amendment could increase access to technical school
for students and create more technical workers, but it could also be
costly for the Texas government.
PROP 1
What does this mean for you
“The constitutional amendment prohibiting the
imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust."
Proposition 2
Pros:
Without this amendment, lawmakers could impose a capital gains tax in the future.
Capital gains taxes can discourage business activity, limit hiring, and lead some companies to relocate to lower-tax states.
The amendment promotes a “hands-off” approach, helping limit additional taxes.
Cons:
In a severe economic downturn, a capital gains tax could provide revenue for unemployment, housing, and food support.
The amendment is broad, even though no one is currently proposing a capital gains tax.
Texas businesses already pay a franchise tax, including certain business trusts. This amendment could unintentionally limit how these taxes apply.
The franchise tax currently generates significant revenue for the state.
This proposed amendment would prevent a tax on the profit you get from selling something, but if the government needs to raise money, it may be hard to do so if this tax is prohibited.
PROP 2
What does this mean for you
"The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony."
Proposition 3
Pros:
There is no guaranteed right to bail, and courts can lawfully detain certain defendants before trial.
The amendment includes safeguards: the state must meet clear standards before bail is denied.
It targets serious crimes like human trafficking, child indecency, and offenses involving deadly weapons.
Judges may weigh a defendant’s criminal history to protect public safety, but bail can still be granted on appeal.
Cons:
Innocent people could spend unnecessary time in jail before trial.
The state’s low standards for denying bail, combined with consideration of a defendant’s criminal history, may increase the likelihood of refusal and perpetuate incarceration.
The amendment could worsen existing racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
Texas already has one of the highest pretrial jail populations in the country.
What does this mean for you
PROP 3
This proposed amendment would deny bail to criminal defendants who committed certain crimes. This could keep dangerous people out of the community, but it could also keep innocent people in jail longer than necessary.
"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."
Proposition 4
Pros:
Texas will need an estimated $154 billion over the next 50 years to address growing water infrastructure needs, and this amendment provides a sustainable funding mechanism.
The funding model is similar to the one used successfully for state transportation.
Water infrastructure costs continue to rise, making early planning essential.
With rapid population growth—1,600 people move to Texas daily—and the state’s large economy, investing in water infrastructure is critical to keep pace with demand.
Cons:
Funding for this amendment may be prioritized over other important needs, such as food, housing, or healthcare.
What does this mean for you
PROP 4
This proposed amendment would create a fund to help communities pay for water access and wastewater transport. The water needs of Texas currently exceed Texas’ capacity, but this could be costly for the government.
“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.”
Proposition 5
Pros:
Ad valorem taxes are based on the value of inventory, which is highest when warehouses are fully stocked with animal feed.
High taxes on feed suppliers can increase feed costs for farmers.
Higher feed costs may eventually lead to higher prices for animal products for consumers.
Cons:
Eliminating this tax could reduce government revenue.
Most other types of property are subject to ad valorem tax, so exempting feed inventory may give farmers an unfair advantage.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU
PROP 5
This proposed amendment would exempt animal feed held for sale from property tax. It could help farmers, which may make our food cheaper. However, eliminating this tax just for animal feed could unfairly benefit farmers when tax cuts are needed elsewhere.
“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.”
Proposition 6
Pros:
Preventing a financial transaction tax supports Texas’ growing economy and attracts investment as the Texas Stock Exchange develops.
Lower transaction costs encourage stock trading, help maintain strong stock prices, and support overall economic growth.
The amendment signals a low-tax, business-friendly environment, attracting businesses and investors to Texas.
It can boost confidence in the stock market, encouraging spending and benefiting the economy.
Cons:
Banning a potential financial transaction tax could limit future state revenue during economic downturns.
Without this tax, funding would rely more on property taxes that burden working-class Texans, while taxing investments would be more equitable.
The amendment may primarily benefit wealthier individuals while placing a larger tax burden on average families.
Texas already has a regressive tax system, and this amendment could worsen income-based disparities.
What does this mean for you
PROP 6
This amendment would prohibit the legislature from adding an occupation tax on securities transactions, such as stock and bond sales. Supporters argue it could lower taxes and boost business in Texas, but critics note it would primarily benefit wealthy investors while tax relief is needed elsewhere.
“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.”
Proposition 7
Pros:
The amendment extends property tax exemptions to surviving spouses of veterans who did not have a 100% disability rating at the time of death.
It ensures all surviving spouses of service-connected deceased veterans are treated equally.
Demonstrates Texas’ commitment to honoring veterans and their families.
Applies to a narrow group and is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact.
Cons:
Expanding property tax exemptions to surviving spouses of deceased veterans could slightly increase the tax burden on other property owners, especially near military bases and surrounding areas with higher veteran populations.
What does this mean for you
PROP 7
This proposed amendment would let surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-related conditions keep a homestead property tax exemption. This benefits our service members, but it could lead to higher property taxes for other homeowners.
“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.”
Proposition 8
Pros:
Prohibiting a death tax ensures heirs and beneficiaries can retain property and assets after a loved one’s passing.
Death taxes can be burdensome and encourage inefficient estate planning.
Assets have often already been taxed during a person’s lifetime, so limiting repeated taxation is fair.
Cons:
The amendment would prevent the government from imposing a death tax even if future funding needs arise.
Constitutional amendments should be reserved for the most critical state matters.
The measure may be unnecessary, as there is currently no proposal in the legislature to institute a death tax.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU
PROP 8
This proposed amendment would ban state-level “death taxes” (estate, inheritance, gift taxes). This gives tax breaks to a wide range of individuals, but the government would not be able to collect this money in the future if it needs to.
“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.”
Proposition 9
Pros:
Provides relief for small business owners, allowing them to reinvest in their business and potentially boost the economy.
Encourages businesses to stay in or move to Texas by reducing personal property tax burdens.
Reduces pressure on businesses to move inventory or equipment out of state, while having minimal impact on revenue since large businesses remain taxed above the threshold.
Simplifies the tax process for small businesses by eliminating detailed reporting requirements for assets.
Cons:
Local taxing districts may receive less revenue and could increase taxes on other property owners to compensate.
What does this mean for you
PROP 9
This proposed amendment would exempt tangible property used for income production (e.g., equipment) from property taxes. Due to the current taxing structure, this would mostly benefit small business owners. However, the government will not be getting as much money in taxes, so it could tax other homeowners more to make up for it.
“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.”
Proposition 10
Pros:
Establishes a process to adjust property appraisals after a major loss, such as a fire, so owners aren’t taxed on unusable property.
Provides financial relief to families recovering from the costly and lengthy process of rebuilding after a fire.
Cons:
Local taxing districts may receive less revenue and could increase taxes on other property owners to compensate.
What does this mean for you
PROP 10
This proposed amendment would create a temporary tax exemption for rebuilt value when a home is entirely destroyed by fire. This would benefit families suffering loss because of a fire but the government will not be getting as much money in taxes, so it could tax other
homeowners more to make up for it.
“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.”
Proposition 11
Pros:
Increasing the homestead property tax exemption for elderly and disabled residents improves housing affordability and supports a vulnerable population.
Provides relief for those on fixed incomes facing rising medical and home modification costs.
Offers visible, easy-to-understand tax relief, encouraging support for the tax system overall.
Cons:
The legislature has already cut property taxes repeatedly in recent years. Spending more state money on tax cuts would reduce funds available for public services such as schools, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Benefits primarily homeowners, leaving renters and some low-income seniors without relief.
Existing mechanisms, such as tax deferral or reverse mortgages, already help seniors stay in their homes.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU
PROP 11
This proposed amendment would expand the value exemption on elderly or disabled homeowners’ homesteads for school district taxes. This tax cut would help a vulnerable population, but it could also give an unfair advantage to a certain group.
“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.”
Proposition 12
Pros:
Promotes transparency and accountability in the judicial system.
Introduces reforms to address judicial misconduct fairly and more quickly.
Ensures complaints against judges are resolved efficiently, rather than lingering unresolved.
Cons:
Giving the governor the power to appoint most board members could politicize the judicial discipline process.
Board members who are not judges may lack the experience to fairly evaluate judicial actions.
Since many complaints about judges involve their actions during trials, a majority of board members should be judges or justices, as they are best equipped to evaluate the actions of their peers.
What does this mean for you
PROP 12
This amendment would tighten oversight of judges by clarifying who investigates complaints and how sanctions are applied, aiming to promote transparency and accountability. However, it removes the requirement for two attorneys on the board and adds governor-appointed members, which could make the process more political.
“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.”
Proposition 13
Pros:
Increasing the school district homestead exemption provides significant tax relief, as school taxes make up the largest portion of most property owners’ tax burden.
Tax savings could stimulate economic growth and encourage home purchases, boosting the real estate market.
Lower property taxes could help keep rents more affordable by maintaining market balance between owning and renting.
Cons:
Reduces revenue available for public services, potentially affecting school funding.
Benefits homeowners only, leaving renters and commercial property owners without relief.
Could shift a greater tax burden onto renters and businesses if state reimbursements to school districts are insufficient.
What does this mean for you
PROP 13
This proposed amendment would make more of your home’s value not subject to school property taxes. This would leave homeowners with lower tax bills but also provide the school districts with less funding.
“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.”
Proposition 14
Pros:
Establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas would invest in research to prevent and treat dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological disorders, improving health outcomes for millions of Texans.
Addresses the growing impact of dementia due to an aging population and longer life expectancy.
Could attract top research talent, create high-quality jobs, and foster collaboration among medical and scientific experts.
Cons:
Private industry, nonprofits, and universities can conduct dementia research without creating a new government entity.
DPRIT may face accountability challenges, as seen with CPRIT, and dementia research is broader and less defined, increasing the risk of inefficient use of public funds.
What does this mean for you
PROP 14
This proposed amendment would create a state funded research center for brain diseases. This would help Texan’s health, but some people argue that these research needs can already be addressed by private institutions. This would be costly for the government.
“The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children.”
Proposition 15
Pros:
Codifies parents’ constitutionally protected right to make decisions for their children, ensuring it cannot be diminished by future judicial rulings.
Makes parental rights easier to identify and defend in court, providing clarity and potentially reducing costly litigation.
Cons:
Does not explicitly address or protect children’s rights.
Language tying parental rights to the responsibility to nurture children could create legal confusion in court cases.
What does this mean for you
PROP 15
This proposed amendment would affirm the already judicially recognized idea that parents are their children’s primary decision makers. This idea is already recognized by the courts and would help parents defend their rights in court. However, this amendment may not do enough to recognize the rights of children because those rights are not explicitly mentioned.
“The constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.”
PROPOSITION 16
Pros:
Reinforces existing Texas Election Code requirements, reducing confusion and increasing voter confidence.
Strengthens protection of the right to vote, a liberty historically secured by servicemembers, minority communities, and naturalized citizens.
Other states have adopted similar constitutional measures to prohibit noncitizens from voting.
Cons:
Redundant, as state and federal laws already restrict voting to citizens; could mislead voters about the scope of the issue.
May create uncertainty for some voters, particularly in historically marginalized communities, potentially discouraging eligible participation.
Could contribute to anti-immigrant sentiment or actions.
What does this mean for you
PROP 16
This proposed amendment would clarify in the Constitution that only U.S. citizens may vote. This idea is already recognized in state and federal laws. This amendment would simply reiterate federal and state laws, but it could discourage minority voters.
“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.”
Proposition 17
Pros:
Prevents property owners from facing unexpected tax burdens for state or federal border security infrastructure on their land.
Encourages voluntary participation in border security efforts by exempting associated improvements from taxes, limited to counties along the Texas-Mexico border.
Cons:
The state should not offer tax exemptions that encourage additional border security construction on private land.
Lawmakers should prioritize broad-based tax relief rather than targeted exemptions that benefit specific projects like border infrastructure.
What does this mean for you
PROP 17
This amendment would let property owners in Texas counties bordering Mexico receive a property tax exemption for improvements made for border security. While it prevents extra costs for these property owners, some argue the state should prioritize broader tax relief, as this benefit affects only a small community.
“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.”
Proposition 5
Pros:
Ad valorem taxes are based on the value of inventory, which is highest when warehouses are fully stocked with animal feed.
High taxes on feed suppliers can increase feed costs for farmers.
Higher feed costs may eventually lead to higher prices for animal products for consumers.
Cons:
Eliminating this tax could reduce government revenue.
Most other types of property are subject to ad valorem tax, so exempting feed inventory may give farmers an unfair advantage.
This proposed amendment would exempt animal feed held for sale from property tax. It could help farmers, which may make our food cheaper. However, eliminating this tax just for animal feed could unfairly benefit farmers when tax cuts are needed elsewhere.
PROP 5
What does this mean for you
“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.”
Proposition 6
Pros:
Preventing a financial transaction tax supports Texas’ growing economy and attracts investment as the Texas Stock Exchange develops.
Lower transaction costs encourage stock trading, help maintain strong stock prices, and support overall economic growth.
The amendment signals a low-tax, business-friendly environment, attracting businesses and investors to Texas.
It can boost confidence in the stock market, encouraging spending and benefiting the economy.
Cons:
Banning a potential financial transaction tax could limit future state revenue during economic downturns.
Without this tax, funding would rely more on property taxes that burden working-class Texans, while taxing investments would be more equitable.
The amendment may primarily benefit wealthier individuals while placing a larger tax burden on average families.
Texas already has a regressive tax system, and this amendment could worsen income-based disparities.
This amendment would prohibit the legislature from adding an occupation tax on securities transactions, such as stock and bond sales. Supporters argue it could lower taxes and boost business in Texas, but critics note it would primarily benefit wealthy investors while tax relief is needed elsewhere.
PROP 6
What does this mean for you
“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.”
Proposition 7
Pros:
The amendment extends property tax exemptions to surviving spouses of veterans who did not have a 100% disability rating at the time of death.
It ensures all surviving spouses of service-connected deceased veterans are treated equally.
Demonstrates Texas’ commitment to honoring veterans and their families.
Applies to a narrow group and is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact.
Cons:
Expanding property tax exemptions to surviving spouses of deceased veterans could slightly increase the tax burden on other property owners, especially near military bases and surrounding areas with higher veteran populations.
This proposed amendment would let surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-related conditions keep a homestead property tax exemption. This benefits our service members, but it could lead to higher property taxes for other homeowners.
PROP 7
What does this mean for you
Pros:
Prohibiting a death tax ensures heirs and beneficiaries can retain property and assets after a loved one’s passing.
Death taxes can be burdensome and encourage inefficient estate planning.
Assets have often already been taxed during a person’s lifetime, so limiting repeated taxation is fair.
“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.”
Proposition 8
Cons:
The amendment would prevent the government from imposing a death tax even if future funding needs arise.
Constitutional amendments should be reserved for the most critical state matters.
The measure may be unnecessary, as there is currently no proposal in the legislature to institute a death tax.
This proposed amendment would ban state-level “death taxes” (estate, inheritance, gift taxes). This gives tax breaks to a wide range of individuals, but the government would not be able to collect this money in the future if it needs to.
PROP 8
What does this mean for you
“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.”
Proposition 9
Pros:
Provides relief for small business owners, allowing them to reinvest in their business and potentially boost the economy.
Encourages businesses to stay in or move to Texas by reducing personal property tax burdens.
Reduces pressure on businesses to move inventory or equipment out of state, while having minimal impact on revenue since large businesses remain taxed above the threshold.
Simplifies the tax process for small businesses by eliminating detailed reporting requirements for assets.
Cons:
Local taxing districts may receive less revenue and could increase taxes on other property owners to compensate.
This proposed amendment would exempt tangible property used for income production (e.g., equipment) from property taxes. Due to the current taxing structure, this would mostly benefit small business owners. However, the government will not be getting as much money in taxes, so it could tax other homeowners more to make up for it.
PROP 9
What does this mean for you
“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.”
Proposition 9
Pros:
Provides relief for small business owners, allowing them to reinvest in their business and potentially boost the economy.
Encourages businesses to stay in or move to Texas by reducing personal property tax burdens.
Reduces pressure on businesses to move inventory or equipment out of state, while having minimal impact on revenue since large businesses remain taxed above the threshold.
Simplifies the tax process for small businesses by eliminating detailed reporting requirements for assets.
Cons:
Local taxing districts may receive less revenue and could increase taxes on other property owners to compensate.
What does this mean for you
PROP 9
This proposed amendment would exempt tangible property used for income production (e.g., equipment) from property taxes. Due to the current taxing structure, this would mostly benefit small business owners. However, the government will not be getting as much money in taxes, so it could tax other homeowners more to make up for it.
“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.”
Proposition 10
Pros:
Establishes a process to adjust property appraisals after a major loss, such as a fire, so owners aren’t taxed on unusable property.
Provides financial relief to families recovering from the costly and lengthy process of rebuilding after a fire.
Cons:
Local taxing districts may receive less revenue and could increase taxes on other property owners to compensate.
This proposed amendment would create a temporary tax exemption for rebuilt value when a home is entirely destroyed by fire. This would benefit families suffering loss because of a fire but the government will not be getting as much money in taxes, so it could tax other
homeowners more to make up for it.
PROP 10
What does this mean for you
“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.”
Proposition 11
Pros:
Increasing the homestead property tax exemption for elderly and disabled residents improves housing affordability and supports a vulnerable population.
Provides relief for those on fixed incomes facing rising medical and home modification costs.
Offers visible, easy-to-understand tax relief, encouraging support for the tax system overall.
Cons:
The legislature has already cut property taxes repeatedly in recent years. Spending more state money on tax cuts would reduce funds available for public services such as schools, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Benefits primarily homeowners, leaving renters and some low-income seniors without relief.
Existing mechanisms, such as tax deferral or reverse mortgages, already help seniors stay in their homes.
This proposed amendment would expand the value exemption on elderly or disabled homeowners’ homesteads for school district taxes. This tax cut would help a vulnerable population, but it could also give an unfair advantage to a certain group.
PROP 11
What does this mean for you
“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.”
Proposition 12
Pros:
Promotes transparency and accountability in the judicial system.
Introduces reforms to address judicial misconduct fairly and more quickly.
Ensures complaints against judges are resolved efficiently, rather than lingering unresolved.
Cons:
Giving the governor the power to appoint most board members could politicize the judicial discipline process.
Board members who are not judges may lack the experience to fairly evaluate judicial actions.
Since many complaints about judges involve their actions during trials, a majority of board members should be judges or justices, as they are best equipped to evaluate the actions of their peers.
This amendment would tighten oversight of judges by clarifying who investigates complaints and how sanctions are applied, aiming to promote transparency and accountability. However, it removes the requirement for two attorneys on the board and adds governor-appointed members, which could make the process more political.
PROP 12
What does this mean for you
“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.”
Proposition 13
Pros:
Increasing the school district homestead exemption provides significant tax relief, as school taxes make up the largest portion of most property owners’ tax burden.
Tax savings could stimulate economic growth and encourage home purchases, boosting the real estate market.
Lower property taxes could help keep rents more affordable by maintaining market balance between owning and renting.
Cons:
Reduces revenue available for public services, potentially affecting school funding.
Benefits homeowners only, leaving renters and commercial property owners without relief.
Could shift a greater tax burden onto renters and businesses if state reimbursements to school districts are insufficient.
This proposed amendment would make more of your home’s value not subject to school property taxes. This would leave homeowners with lower tax bills but also provide the school districts with less funding.
PROP 13
What does this mean for you
“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.”
Proposition 14
Pros:
Establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas would invest in research to prevent and treat dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological disorders, improving health outcomes for millions of Texans.
Addresses the growing impact of dementia due to an aging population and longer life expectancy.
Could attract top research talent, create high-quality jobs, and foster collaboration among medical and scientific experts.
Cons:
Private industry, nonprofits, and universities can conduct dementia research without creating a new government entity.
DPRIT may face accountability challenges, as seen with CPRIT, and dementia research is broader and less defined, increasing the risk of inefficient use of public funds.
This proposed amendment would create a state funded research center for brain diseases. This would help Texan’s health, but some people argue that these research needs can already be addressed by private institutions. This would be costly for the government.
PROP 14
What does this mean for you
“The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children.”
Proposition 15
Pros:
Codifies parents’ constitutionally protected right to make decisions for their children, ensuring it cannot be diminished by future judicial rulings.
Makes parental rights easier to identify and defend in court, providing clarity and potentially reducing costly litigation.
Cons:
Does not explicitly address or protect children’s rights.
Language tying parental rights to the responsibility to nurture children could create legal confusion in court cases.
This proposed amendment would affirm the already judicially recognized idea that parents are their children’s primary decision makers. This idea is already recognized by the courts and would help parents defend their rights in court. However, this amendment may not do enough to recognize the rights of children because those rights are not explicitly mentioned.
PROP 15
What does this mean for you
“The constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.”
PROPOSITION 16
Pros:
Reinforces existing Texas Election Code requirements, reducing confusion and increasing voter confidence.
Strengthens protection of the right to vote, a liberty historically secured by servicemembers, minority communities, and naturalized citizens.
Other states have adopted similar constitutional measures to prohibit noncitizens from voting.
Cons:
Redundant, as state and federal laws already restrict voting to citizens; could mislead voters about the scope of the issue.
May create uncertainty for some voters, particularly in historically marginalized communities, potentially discouraging eligible participation.
Could contribute to anti-immigrant sentiment or actions.
This proposed amendment would clarify in the Constitution that only U.S. citizens may vote. This idea is already recognized in state and federal laws. This amendment would simply reiterate federal and state laws, but it could discourage minority voters.
PROP 16
What does this mean for you
“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.”
Proposition 17
Pros:
Prevents property owners from facing unexpected tax burdens for state or federal border security infrastructure on their land.
Encourages voluntary participation in border security efforts by exempting associated improvements from taxes, limited to counties along the Texas-Mexico border.
Cons:
The state should not offer tax exemptions that encourage additional border security construction on private land.
Lawmakers should prioritize broad-based tax relief rather than targeted exemptions that benefit specific projects like border infrastructure.
This amendment would let property owners in Texas counties bordering Mexico receive a property tax exemption for improvements made for border security. While it prevents extra costs for these property owners, some argue the state should prioritize broader tax relief, as this benefit affects only a small community.