2025 Tx Constitutional Amendments Explained

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1					Ballotpedia			As Texas Goes				LWVSA			Committee Witness List and tx_spark outreach		TX Lege			tx_spark			BCDP		LoneStar Left		Texas Policy Research
2	Proposition	Originating Legislation	Summary	Legal	Subject	Amendments	Description	Plain English	What it does	Proponents	Opponents	Summary	Proponents	Opponents	Supporting	Opposition	Democratic Support	Republican Support	Tx Lege				Summary	Position	Summary	Position	TPR Details	TPR Position	Free Enterprise	Property Rights	Personal Responsibility	Limited Government	Individual Liberty

3	01	SJR 59	Funding for Texas Technical Colleges	"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."	Higher education funding; Restricted-use funds	Establish Special Funds for State Technical College System	Establish the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund (Permanent Fund) and the Available Workforce Education Fund (Available Fund) as special funds in the state treasury to support the Texas Technical College System	Helps pay for buildings and upgrades at trade schools and technical colleges.	Creates two funds to help pay for buildings and infrastructure at Texas State Technical Colleges and workforce training programs.	Helps address Texas's growing demand for skilled labor.	Adds another earmarked fund to the state budget, reducing flexibility. Critics may argue funding decisions should be made through the regular budget process, not constitutionally locked in. Unclear if oversight or metrics are strong enough to ensure effective use of funds.	Funding for Texas Technical Colleges	Provides a reliable source of funding for Texas State Technical Colleges. This fund would support a skilled workforce which is needed by Texas businesses and industry. A healthy technical college system helps Texans who desire a career in these fields.	This money could be used to fund community colleges across Texas which already provide two year degrees and certificates and serve as many as 700,000 students per year. Businesses should pay for their own job training and certifications. Money for the permanent fund should be returned to the taxpayers.	Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas, Inc. Associated General Contractors - Texas Building Branch NFIB Texas 2036 Texas Association of Builders Texas Association of Manufacturers Texas Construction Association Texas Economic Development Council Texas Realtors	Texas Policy Research	98.30%	82.70%	Lean Democratic	✓	Build a better workforce	For	BUILD SKILLS = JOBS. Investing in Texas technical colleges = better skills, better jobs. Let’s build the future of our workforce.	For	"This proposition creates funds for capital needs at Texas State Technical Colleges. It will fund working-class education. In plain English, it invests in classrooms, equipment, and infrastructure that prepare working-class Texans for real, good-paying jobs, such as electricians, welders, mechanics, nurses, and other skilled professionals."	For	"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."	Against	Fail	Neutral	Pass	Fail	Pass
4	02	SJR 18	Prohibits Taxes on Capital Gains	"The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust."	Income taxes	Prohibit Capital Gains Tax on Individuals, Estates, and Trusts	Prohibit a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust	Blocks the state from taxing your investment profits now or in the future.	Bans Texas from ever creating a tax on capital gains (profits from selling things like stocks, property, etc.), whether you’ve actually sold them or not.	Protects Texans from future income or investment taxes. Encourages investment and entrepreneurship.	Locks out a major revenue source that could fund services without burdening low-income Texans. Benefits the wealthy disproportionately. Reduces flexibility for future lawmakers responding to budget needs or economic change.	Prohibits Taxes on Capital Gains	The proposed amendment would help maintain Texas’ reputation as a business friendly and tax friendly state. Taxing capital gains reduces incentives for savings and investments, and lowers economic growth. Putting this ban on capital gains taxes in the constitution would provide certainty for financial institutions interested in expanding in Texas.	In the future, the Legislature would not be able to tax capital gains even if there were a budget deficit and these revenues were needed. This proposition is unnecessary because a capital gains tax is not being considered by the legislature. Not taxing capital gains shifts the tax burden from people with wealth or assets to those without wealth who are more impacted by sales taxes.	Gov. Greg Abbott (R) Texas Farm Bureau (AGFUND) Texas Policy Research		40.70%	100.00%	Extreme Republican	X	Texas doen't have a capital gains tax	Against	"Cuts taxes for the super-rich on investments. That’s not for working families—keep taxes fair."	Against	"Texas doesn’t have a capital gains tax now, but enshrining it in the Constitution guarantees that we can never ask billionaires to pay their fair share. It’s a preemptive strike against economic justice and future progressive reforms, and it solidifies the current system, where the rich get richer while working people bear the tax burden."	Against	"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."	For	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass
5	03	SJR 5	Denial of Bail Under Some Circumstances	"The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony."	Bail	Denial of Bail for Certain Violent or Sexual Offenses Punishable as a Felony	Deny bail to individuals accused of certain violent or sexual offenses punishable as a felony	Makes it easier to keep people in jail before trial if they're accused of violent crimes.	Lets judges deny bail to people accused of certain serious felonies if they believe the person is dangerous.	Closes loopholes that allow violent offenders out on bail. Supports victims’ rights and community protection.	Risks undermining due process and the presumption of innocence. Could disproportionately impact poor defendants and people of color. Bail decisions are already governed by law; this could lead to overreach or inconsistent application.	Denial of Bail Under Some Circumstances	Prevents high risk individuals from committing additional crimes while out on bail. By limiting the denial of bail to only the most serious offenses, it is assured that only those who pose the greatest risk are denied bail. Safeguard in place to protect defendants’ rights, such as the right to be represented by counsel at bail denial hearings, the right to appeal, and provisions to protect a right to a speedy trial.	Judges currently have the discretion to set high bail amounts for individuals considered high risk, which can prevent their release. Denying bail to certain defendants could result in overcrowding of jails, requiring more taxpayer funding for additional jail staff. Being denied bail increases the costs for defendants and undermines the presumption of innocence.	Gov. Greg Abbott (R) State Sen. Joan Huffman (R) Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot (D) Comal County Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Tharp Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) Austin Police Association Dallas Police Association San Antonio Police Officers Association Texas Police Chiefs Association Crime Stoppers Sheriffs Association of Texas Texas Municipal Police Association Texas Public Policy Foundation The Professional Bondsman of Texas	Texas Civil Rights Project Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Texas Jail Project Texas Policy Research	87.70%	100.00%	Lean Republican	X	Bail decisions are already governed by law	Against	"... denying bail automatically risks people’s freedom without due process."	Against	"Pretrial detention is about punishment before conviction. We’ve seen it throughout history, from Jim Crow-era laws designed to keep Black people locked up and out of civic life, to today’s mass incarceration pipeline where wealth decides freedom."	Against	"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."	Against	Neutral	Neutral	Neutral	Fail	Fail
6	04	HJR 7	Funding for the Texas Water Fund	"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."	Water; Sales taxes; Restricted-use funds	Allocate Portion of Sales Tax Revenue to Water Fund	Authorize the state legislature to allocate sales tax revenue that exceeds the first $46.5 billion with a maximum of $1 billion per fiscal year to the state water fund and authorize the state legislature, by a two-thirds vote, to adjust the amount allocated	Dedicates some sales tax dollars to improving water infrastructure.	Sets aside part of the sales tax money to fund water projects through the Texas Water Fund.	Dedicates stable funding for vital water infrastructure and drought mitigation. Proactive investment in long-term water security.	Restricts legislative budgeting flexibility. Dedicating funds could come at the expense of other urgent needs.	Funding for the Texas Water Fund	The funds would be used to upgrade aging water infrastructure as well as for new water supply projects. This would address the shortfall between water demand and available water supply, and improve the safety of the water supply. Increasing Texas’ water supply is critical to continued economic growth and to meet the needs of farmers in Texas. Provides reliable funding for long-term water supply and infrastructure projects.	New water supply projects, such as seawater desalination and the reuse of produced water, could pose environmental risks if adequate safeguards are not put in place. This proposed amendment transfers oversight of the monies from the legislature to the governor-appointed Texas Water Development Board. Water conservation is a critical component of the strategy to meet future water needs in Texas, and is not addressed by this plan.	American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas Brazos River Authority Lower Colorado River Authority National Wildlife Federation Texas 2036 Texas Association of Manufacturers Texas Economic Development Council Texas Farm Bureau (AGFUND) Texas Oil and Gas Association Texas Realtors Texas Water Association Texas Water Infrastructure Network (TXWIN) Texas Water Supply Partners The Nature Conservancy in Texas	Texas Policy Research	100.00%	88.20%	Lean Democratic	✓	Water is life, vote like it	For	"Water is life, vote like it."	For	"Public water is climate justice. We need strong safeguards to make sure this fund serves communities and not just corporations, but investing in clean, reliable water is essential for survival in Texas"	For	"While addressing water infrastructure is vital, this resolution undermines limited government and fiscal transparency by embedding automatic spending into the Constitution. It crowds out private-sector solutions, reduces future tax relief opportunities, and limits legislative accountability for long-term fiscal commitments."	Against	Fail	Fail	Fail	Fail	Neutral
7	05	HJR 99	Exemption of taxes for retail animal feed inventory	"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."	Agriculture; Tax exemptions	Property Tax Exemption on Retail Animal Feed	Establish a property tax exemption on animal feed held by the owner of the property for retail sale	Gives tax breaks to businesses that sell animal feed.	Lets the legislature stop charging property taxes on animal feed held for retail sale.	Supports agricultural and retail businesses. Aligns with existing exemptions on other inventory items.	Further erodes the local property tax base. Opens the door to more special-interest exemptions.	Exemption of taxes for retail animal feed inventory	Removing this tax would help lower prices for farmers and ranchers, who are already dealing with rising operational expenses. Animal feed is part of our food chain, of which other parts are exempt from property taxes. Due to the seasonal needs of the agricultural business, warehouses are fully stocked when property taxes are calculated. This results in higher taxes on sellers that are passed onto the consumers.	Inventory of other businesses is taxed as personal property since they are used to produce income. This proposition would treat those businesses unfairly. Exemptions for one group of taxpayers can unfairly shift the tax burden to other taxpayers. Inventory is constantly changing so the tax break cannot be easily measured.	State Rep. Cody Harris (R) Colony Ranch Supply, Inc. Texas Farm Bureau (AGFUND) Texas Policy Research		84.40%	99.10%	Lean Republican	X	erodes the local property tax base.	Against	"Tax breaks for feed sellers won’t help working families... "	Against	"...it’s a fair measure that helps local agriculture without enriching the wealthy"	For	"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."	For	Pass	Pass	Neutral	Pass	Pass
8	06	HJR 4	Prohibits future laws that impose taxes on securities	"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."	Business taxes	Prohibit Taxes on Certain Securities Transactions	Prohibit the enactment of laws that impose taxes on entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or on certain securities transactions	Prevents Texas from adding a tax on stock market transactions.	Stops lawmakers from creating new taxes on people or businesses that deal in stocks and securities.	Encourages business retention and investment in Texas. Keeps Texas competitive in the financial services sector.	Prioritizes protecting financial firms while ignoring working-class needs. Constitutionally banning future revenue options is shortsighted. Reinforces structural tax inequities.	Prohibits future laws that impose taxes on securities	For those with securities, a tax on transactions could reduce profits and make it harder to save money. Adding a tax on buying and selling investments could increase costs, discourage trading, and reduce the value of people’s investments, which might hurt the Texas economy. Making this ban part of the Constitution would give financial companies more certainty, help Texas attract more investment businesses, and create jobs.	If this ban is added to the Constitution, the state would lose a tool it might need to deal with budget problems in the future. Not being able to tax financial transactions might mean the state has to rely more on sales taxes to raise money later on, which puts more of a tax burden on lower-income people. This amendment is not needed, since no one in the state government is actually trying to create this kind of tax right now	Texas Stock Exchange Texas Policy Research	True Texas Project	54.50%	96.30%	Heavy Republican	X	Reinforces structural tax inequities.	Against	"... benefits the wealthy, not everyday Texans."	Against	"This is Wall Street protectionism in disguise."	Against	"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."	For	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass
9	07	HJR 133	Tax exemption on veterans’ spouses’ homesteads	"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."	Homestead tax; Tax exemptions; Veterans	Establish Homestead Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Veterans Killed by a Service-Connected Disease	Establish a property tax homestead 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	Helps widows and widowers of certain veterans save money on property taxes.	Gives property tax breaks to the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a service-related illness.	Provides financial relief to grieving spouses. Similar to past veteran-related exemptions.	Creates further carve-outs in the tax code, shifting the burden to others. Lacks income-based criteria, meaning wealthy survivors also benefit. Continues trend of using tax code for social policy without oversight.	Tax exemption on veterans’ spouses’ homesteads	Expanding the current property tax exemption for this group ensures fair treatment for these veterans and their families. While this would apply to a small population of qualifying surviving spouses and have minimal financial impact to the state, the exemption would benefit military communities.	Expanding property tax exemptions could reduce tax revenues for school districts and local taxing authorities, especially near communities with large populations of veteran families who could potentially qualify for the exemption. Exemptions for some property owners can shift the tax burden to other homeowners, making it harder for new buyers to afford homes.	American Legion, Department of Texas Texas Policy Research		100.00%	94.20%	Bipartisan	✓	giving families long-term security after immense sacrifice	For	"Support veterans’ families—let surviving spouses keep part of their home tax-free. Respect & security matter."	For	"It’s narrow and humane, giving families long-term security after immense sacrifice"	For	"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."	For	Neutral	Pass	Pass	Neutral	Pass
10	08	HJR 2	Prohibits imposition of a death tax	"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."	Property taxes	Prohibit Estate Taxes and New Taxes on Estate Transfers, Inheritances, and Gifts	Prohibit the state legislature from enacting laws imposing taxes on a decedent's property or the transfer of an estate	Bans Texas from ever taxing your inheritance or estate when you die.	Prohibits any future inheritance or estate taxes in Texas.	Protects family-owned farms and small businesses from future taxation.	Estate taxes target the ultra-wealthy; banning them shields generational wealth. Reduces revenue options without public benefit. Makes it harder to address wealth inequality or fund services equitably.	Prohibits imposition of a death tax	Avoids double taxation since inherited assets have often been taxed previously during the deceased person's lifetime. Would limit the impact on family-owned businesses, where heirs may struggle to pay the tax burden without liquidating the business. Inheritance taxes are complex. They cost time and money for the government to administer and for individuals to comply.	Inheritance taxes can generate revenue for the government to fund public services and reduce budget deficits. May reduce excessive wealth accumulation, potentially contributing to a more balanced distribution of wealth. Encourages individuals to save and invest more during their lifetime by not relying on expected inheritance.	Texas Association of Builders Texas Farm Bureau (AGFUND) Texas Policy Research	True Texas Project	50.00%	100.00%	Extreme Republican	X	Texas doesn’t currently have estate or gift taxes	Against	"... mostly protects wealthy estates, not working families."	Against	"Texas doesn’t currently have estate or gift taxes, but this locks in a permanent ban, ensuring that future generations can’t ever be subject to progressive wealth taxes. It’s about protecting dynastic fortunes ... and deepening inequality..."	Against	"Proposition 8 reinforces private property rights, personal liberty, and limited government by ensuring Texans are free to transfer wealth without punitive taxation. It prevents future overreach, supports family financial stability, and protects generational business continuity without affecting current revenues."	For	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass
11	09	HJR 1	Tax exemption for personal property used for income	"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."	Tax exemptions	Authorize $125,000 Tax Exemption for Tangible Property Used for Income Production	Authorize the state legislature to exempt $125,000 of the market value of personal tangible property used for income production from taxes	Lets people or businesses pay less tax on items they use to earn income.	Allows a property tax break for personal items used to make money (like tools, equipment, etc.).	Reduces burden on small businesses and self-employed Texans. Encourages entrepreneurship and reinvestment.	Further drains local government revenue. Complicates enforcement and fairness across business sizes. May disproportionately benefit high-earning individuals who don’t need the break.	Tax exemption for personal property used for income	Raising the exemption to $125,000 would ease the tax burden on small businesses, helping them keep more of their money to invest and grow. This would simplify tax reporting for small businesses with less than $125,000 of personal property. The Legislature could use part of the state’s general revenue to make up for any funding loss to school districts, ensuring they still receive adequate support.	The Legislature did not provide additional monies to cities, counties, hospital districts, and college districts. To make up for the loss of revenue, these other local taxing entities may have to raise taxes or cut services.. The Legislature may not be able to make up for the loss of funds to school districts should the economy slow and cause a budget deficit. This proposed amendment favors businesses at the expense of local residential taxpayers and taxing authorities.	Americans for Prosperity Huffines Liberty Foundation Texas Apartment Association Texas Association of Manufacturers Texas Oil & Gas Association - TXOGA PAC Texas Policy Research Texas Restaurant Association	Harris County Commissioners Court Travis County Commissioners Court	86.20%	94.90%	Bipartisan	✓	Encourages entrepreneurship and reinvestment.	For	"Uplifts workers and small businesses who use their own tools, equipment, or other property..."	For	"... it helps small businesses, farmers, and self-employed Texans who really do need relief... Corporations and large agribusinesses will likely find ways to exploit it. That means less money for schools and communities ..."	Neutral	"By reducing taxes on productive assets, this amendment promotes free enterprise, supports private property rights, and aligns with limited government principles. It provides targeted relief to small businesses and entrepreneurs, encouraging investment and job creation without imposing direct costs on the state."	For	Pass	Pass	Neutral	Pass	Pass
12	10	SJR 84	Temporary exemption of taxes for homes destroyed by fire	"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."	Homestead tax; Tax exemptions	Property Tax Exemption for Improvements to Homestead Destroyed by Fire	Provide a temporary homestead exemption for improvements made to residences destroyed by fire	Gives homeowners a property tax break after a house fire.	Lets homeowners get a temporary property tax exemption if their home is completely destroyed by fire.	Provides financial relief to disaster victims. Prevents homeowners from paying taxes on non-existent property.	May lead to inconsistent application across disaster types. Doesn’t address broader needs like affordable housing recovery.	Temporary exemption of taxes for homes destroyed by fire	There is currently no process for tax assessors to recalculate a homeowner’s tax bill if property is destroyed by a fire after the date of appraisal. The legislation allowed under this proposition would set forth such a process. This proposition would provide relief to homeowners whose property was appraised before a fire destroyed their home and substantially reduced its value.	In order to obtain this exemption, the property must be completely destroyed. It does not grant relief to homeowners whose property was significantly damaged. The benefits of this tax break do not flow to owners of property destroyed by disasters other than fires, unless it is in a governor-declared disaster area.	South Texans’ Property Rights Association Texas Policy Research		100.00%	100.00%	Bipartisan	✓	real help for families in crisis	For	"...real help for families in crisis."	For	"That’s humane and compassionate, but it’s also limited since most homeowners already have insurance and disaster provisions in place."	Neutral	"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."	For	Pass	Pass	Neutral	Pass	Pass
13	11	SJR 85	Exemption of taxes for those who are disabled or elderly	"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."	Homestead tax; Tax exemptions	Increase Homestead Tax Exemption for Elderly and Disabled	Increase the property tax exemption from $10,000 to $60,000 of the market value for homesteads owned by elderly or disabled individuals	Helps elderly and disabled Texans save more on school property taxes.	Increases the property tax exemption amount for seniors and people with disabilities.	Offers greater relief to vulnerable populations on fixed incomes. Updates exemption to reflect rising home values.	Further shifts tax burden to younger or lower-income homeowners. Local school districts could lose funding. Doesn’t differentiate based on actual need or income level.	Exemption of taxes for those who are disabled or elderly	This proposed increase in property tax exemption for the elderly and disabled helps to protect individuals on a fixed income to continue to own a home. The positive impact of this proposition will be widespread, expecting to reduce taxes for more than 2 million homeowners. The amendment allows the legislature to appropriate funds to reimburse public school districts so they do not experience a loss in funding.	Additional tax cuts reduce the money available for public services such as schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. An economic downturn could significantly change the state’s financial position. The state should not count on its current budget surplus to make permanent spending commitments. Texas should consider limits to property tax payments based on a household’s ability to pay. Not all senior adults or persons with disabilities are low income	South Texans’ Property Rights Association Texas Association of Builders Texas Realtors Texas Silver-Haired Legislature		100.00%	100.00%	Bipartisan	✓	reflect rising home values	For	"Elderly or disabled? Let them keep more of their home’s value tax-free..."	For	"That’s direct relief for vulnerable people who are often on fixed incomes, and the state covers the loss to schools. ... progressives should support this kind of targeted protection."	For	"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."	Against	Fail	Pass	Fail	Fail	Neutral
14	12	SJR 27	Membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct	"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."	Judiciary	Change Membership and Authority of State Commission on Judicial Conduct	Change the composition of the state Commission on Judicial Conduct, provide for a temporary tribunal to review the commission's recommendations, and change the authority governing judicial misconduct	Strengthens oversight and punishment options for misbehaving judges.	Changes how the State Commission on Judicial Conduct operates, including how it handles complaints against judges.	Strengthens accountability for judges accused of misconduct.	Gives too much power to politically appointed review bodies. Could be used to chill judicial independence. Details may be vague or subject to partisan manipulation.	Membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct	By allowing the governor to appoint two more members, the public may have more influence in considering complaints against judges since the governor is elected. Could eliminate the backlog of complaints against judges by establishing timelines for investigation and decisions as well as increasing the transparency, accountability and efficiency of the judicial branch. Judges’ base salaries could be adjusted under the new legislation without tying legislators’ pensions to judicial salaries.	Too much power in the executive branch. While judges are independently elected by the people, this constitutional amendment could allow the Governor to influence how judges are disciplined if they disagree with him. The strengthened accountability measures that would be allowed may be an overreach by the legislative branch over the judicial branch. The costs to taxpayers of judicial salaries and new staff hired to support the work of the SCJC would increase.	State Sen. Joan Huffman (R) State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D) Austin Police Association Dallas Police Association Houston Police Officers’ Union Texans Unite for Judicial Accountability Texans for Judicial Accountability Texans for Lawsuit Reform Texas Civil Justice League Texas Municipal Police Association Texas Policy Research		65.00%	100.00%	Republican	X	subject to partisan manipulation.	Against	"...risks political abuse and unfair targeting."	Against	"... in practice, it risks politicizing judicial discipline and undermining effective oversight."	Against	"Proposition 12 promotes transparency, public accountability, and personal responsibility within the judiciary by broadening citizen oversight and strengthening enforcement of judicial ethics."	For	Neutral	Neutral	Pass	Neutral	Neutral
15	13	SJR 2	Increase in homestead tax exemptions	"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."	Homestead tax; Tax exemptions	Increase Homestead Property Tax Exemption	Increase the property tax exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 of the market value of a homestead	Cuts school property taxes for homeowners by increasing the homestead exemption.	Raises the school property tax exemption on homes from $100,000 to $140,000.	Offers more tax relief to homeowners.	Risks underfunding public schools. Local governments may have to make up the shortfall. Benefits wealthier homeowners more than renters or the poor.	Increase in homestead tax exemptions	Reducing property taxes may help low income families to stay in their homes. The 2025 legislature has enacted $8.5 billion in funding for school districts to help reduce reliance on property taxes for school financing. Without an increase in the homestead exemption, higher property values could increase a homeowners tax bill even if tax rates do not change.	Shifting away from property taxes to fund public schools could result in higher sales taxes, higher taxes on businesses, or underfunding of public schools. Property tax reductions give no relief to renters, many of whom are struggling with high rents. Even with the $8.5 billion in funding allocated to public schools by the legislature, Texas’ public schools are underfunded. This situation could get worse should the Texas economy slow.	Gov. Greg Abbott (R) State Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R) Americans for Prosperity South Texans’ Property Rights Association Texas Association of Builders Texas Policy Research Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Realtors The LIBRE Initiative		100.00%	100.00%	Bipartisan	✓	tax relief to homeowners.	For	"Increasing school tax exemptions = more protection for your home and your family."	For	"It’s meaningful relief for homeowners, and the state promises to backfill school funding... this helps many families, but progressives should pair support with a demand for renter relief next."	For	"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."	For	Pass	Pass	Neutral	Neutral	Pass
16	14	SJR 3	Funding for Dementia Research	"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."	Healthcare governance; Administrative organization; Spending; Vaccinations and disease	Establish Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas	Establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas with $3 billion from the general fund	Funds a major state effort to study and fight dementia and related diseases.	Creates a new state-run Dementia Research Institute with $3 billion in state funds.	Responds to growing public health crisis. Boosts research, treatment, and prevention across multiple neurodegenerative diseases.	$3 billion is a large upfront cost with uncertain returns. Should be funded through the standard budget process, not constitutional amendment. Lacks detailed oversight mechanisms.	Funding for Dementia Research	The need for more proven dementia prevention strategies and treatments is urgent due to the state’s aging population. DPRIT will accelerate innovation, expedite research, and attract top talent to the state. Texas could become a national leader in dementia research, with commercial potential that would benefit society.	Agency leaders will be appointed by politicians which could lead to distribution of money based on favoritism rather than scientific expertise. Rather than creating a new government agency/bureaucracy, the money should be returned to the citizens of Texas. Medical research should be left to the private sector and the free market.	State Sen. Joan Huffman (R) State Rep. Tom Craddick (R) State Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D) Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) Baylor Scott & White Health Houston Methodist Hospital Texas Children’s Hospital Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute Texas Medical Center AARP Texas Alzheimer’s Association Texas Assisted Living Association Texas Association of Business Texas Association of Health Plans Texas Medical Association	State Rep. Brian E. Harrison (R) Texas Policy Research Texas Right to Know	100.00%	79.80%	Democratic	X	Should be funded through the standard budget process	Against	"...diverts money from schools and local communities."	Neutral	"Republicans oppose it because they don’t want public money used for health research, but this is precisely the kind of investment we need. Public health should not be left to the discretion of Big Pharma or private markets."	For	"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."	Against	Fail	Neutral	Fail	Fail	Fail
17	15	SJR 34	Parental rights	"The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children."	Constitutional rights; Family	Parental Rights	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"	Reaffirms that parents, not the government, have the main say in their children’s lives.	Puts language in the Constitution saying parents are the main decision-makers for their kids.	Reinforces parental rights in education, healthcare, and upbringing.	Could be used to justify discriminatory or anti-science behavior. Vague language may undermine child welfare protections. May politicize school and healthcare decisions.	Parental rights	This proposition would clearly affirm the primary authority of parents over their children and would limit the power of the government to make decisions for children. This proposition could establish that parents have the right to decide what values and ideas are taught to children in public schools. Children are best raised and educated by parents who know each child’s needs.	If approved, this amendment could disrupt public school education due to parents trying to control curriculum and rules for all children based on their own beliefs and ideas. The rights of parents are already established based on years of court decisions and numerous laws. Elevating the rights of parents to the constitutional level could prevent necessary intervention to protect children from abuse and neglect.	State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R) Baptist General Convention of Texas Christian Life Commission Family Freedom Project Texans for Vaccine Choice Texas Eagle Forum Texas Home School Coalition Texas Policy Research Texas Public Policy Foundation Texas Right to Life PAC Texas Values	LGBTQ+ Community	66.20%	100.00%	Republican	X	politicize school and healthcare decisions	Against	"... giving politicians new ways to mess with our schools, ban books, push culture wars, and strip away protections for ALL kids."	Against	".. it’s a Trojan horse for the right’s culture war. This amendment would enshrine “parental rights” language in the Constitution, which will be used to attack LGBTQ kids, ban books, muzzle teachers, and weaken public schools."	Against	"Proposition 15 affirms individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government by codifying parental rights and ensuring state action is narrowly constrained. It empowers families to guide their children’s upbringing without unwarranted interference from public institutions."	For	Neutral	Neutral	Pass	Pass	Pass
18	16	SJR 37	Clarification of citizenship voting	"The constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen."	Citizenship voting	Citizenship Voting Requirement	Amend the Texas Constitution to provide that "persons who are not citizens of the United States" cannot vote	Reinforces that voting in Texas is only for U.S. citizens (already the law, but adds it to the Constitution).	Clearly states that only U.S. citizens can vote in Texas elections.	Reasserts the rule that only citizens vote—already law, but now constitutional.	Unnecessary and redundant—it’s already illegal for non-citizens to vote. May stoke xenophobia or voter suppression efforts. Political messaging disguised as policy.	Clarification of citizenship voting	Those in favor of this proposition are concerned that some states allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. This amendment would prevent Texas counties and cities from allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections. Adding this amendment to the constitution would make it difficult to change in the future.	This amendment is unnecessary because non citizen-voting is extremely rare and already illegal in Texas. Citizenship is already required for voter registration and is verified by state and local procedures.	Gov. Greg Abbott (R) Republican Party of Texas Americans for Citizen Voting Texas Policy Research Texas Public Policy Foundation	Democratic Party of Texas Libertarian Party of Texas ACLU of Texas Common Cause Texas Texas Civil Rights Project	57.50%	100.00%	Heavy Republican	X	it’s already illegal for non-citizens to vote.	Against	" ... that’s already the law. This doesn’t change anything; it’s a distraction from real issues ..."	Against	"Voting in Texas is already limited to US citizens.... It just bakes xenophobic messaging into the Constitution."	Against	"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."	For	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass
19	17	HJR 34	Tax exemption for construction of border security infastructure	"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."	Tax exemptions	Property Tax Exemption for Border Security Infrastructure	Authorize the state legislature to provide for a property tax exemption for the construction of border infrastructure on property located in a county that borders Mexico	Gives tax breaks to property owners near the border who build fencing or security infrastructure.	Allows property tax breaks for landowners along the Mexico border who install border security features.	Encourages private landowners to support state border security. Helps offset the cost of fencing, surveillance, or other improvements.	Politicizes tax policy and incentivizes vigilante-style enforcement. Could have environmental, legal, and civil rights consequences. Reduces tax revenue for politically charged goals.	Tax exemption for construction of border security infastructure	This proposition would encourage private property owners to support border security efforts. The tax exemption would cover any potential increase in property value from border infrastructure constructed for the property owner. The proposed amendment does not reduce the appraised value of the existing property.	Exempting property value from the tax rolls would narrow the tax base and could shift the tax burden onto other property owners or reduce revenues for local public services. Border security infrastructure and exemption qualifications are not defined and therefore are subject to legislation interpretation. Militarization of the border may be encouraged by granting property tax relief for border wall infrastructure.	State Rep. Ryan Guillen (R) South Texans’ Property Rights Association Texas Farm Bureau (AGFUND) Texas Policy Research	True Texas Project	58.50%	99.00%	Heavy Republican	X	Politicizes tax policy	Against	"... benefit big landowners, not working Texans."	Against	"It’s Abbott’s border theater repackaged as a tax perk. Public money should never subsidize racism, militarism, or private walls."	Against	"Proposition 17 respects private property rights, individual liberty, and limited government by preventing tax penalties for landowners who choose to invest in border security. While exemptions should be used sparingly, this one is well-targeted and permissive, offering relief without expanding state programs or spending."	For	Pass	Pass	Neutral	Pass	Pass
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