Simone Lawson
Texas voters have been given the opportunity to vote on a number of constitutional amendments in recent years. In 2023, 14 amendments were on the ballot, while in 2021, Texans voted on eight amendments, and in 2025, Texans will vote on 17 amendments. The topics of these amendments range from property tax relief and parental rights to judicial accountability and border security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | November 4, 2025 |
| Number of Amendments | 17 |
| Topics | Property tax relief, parental rights, judicial accountability, border security, etc. |
| Example Amendment | The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust |
| Example Proposition | Proposition 1 seeks to enshrine in the state constitution Texans’ right to farm, ranch and garden on land they own or lease. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Texas State Technical College System funding
Texas voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on 17 proposed constitutional amendments on November 4, 2025. One of these amendments is 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."
The Texas State Technical College System (TSTC) has adopted a unique approach to receiving state funding. TSTC was the first higher education institution in the United States, and the only one in Texas, to implement a returned-value funding model. This model calculates the economic value generated from five years of graduate wages. This value is then multiplied by a funding rate to determine the amount of state funding received in the state's two-year budget cycle. The funding formula was implemented in 2013 during the 83rd Texas Legislature and set a five-year period for tracking graduates' unemployment insurance wage records.
The TSTC funding plan originates in the base budgets of the state House of Representatives and Senate and eventually becomes part of the final budget signed by the governor. TSTC uses program-vitality scorecards to monitor the success of its technical programs, phasing out those that do not meet graduate placement and salary standards. The college also utilizes internal scorecards to track year-to-year progress.
The proposed constitutional amendment would create two dedicated state funds to support infrastructure, land acquisition, and equipment for the TSTC, initially seeded with $850 million from general revenue. These funds would operate outside the typical state budget and legislative oversight. While this amendment aims to expand access to workforce education, critics argue that embedding this preferential funding mechanism in the Constitution undermines limited government and transparency. They suggest that a statutory approach with normal budget oversight would better uphold fiscal accountability.
In addition to the TSTC funding amendment, other proposed amendments on the ballot include those related to property tax relief, parental rights, judicial accountability, and border security. Texans will have the opportunity to vote on each amendment, and each amendment must receive a majority of voter approval to become law.
The First Amendment: A Historical Perspective
You may want to see also
Tax on capital gains
On November 4, 2025, Texans will vote on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, including the "Prohibit Capital Gains Tax on Individuals, Estates, and Trusts Amendment." This amendment, known as Proposition 2, seeks to prohibit the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of individuals, families, estates, or trusts. Texas currently does not impose such a tax, so the amendment acts as a safeguard to maintain the state's low-tax structure.
The amendment originated as Senate Joint Resolution 18 (SJR 18) and was passed by the Senate on March 18, 2025, with a vote of 24-6. On April 28, 2025, the House approved an amended version, which the Senate later agreed to. The resolution requires a two-thirds vote during one legislative session to be placed on the ballot, which it achieved.
Supporters of the amendment argue that it upholds individual liberty, private property rights, and free enterprise by protecting Texans from potential financial intrusion and double taxation. They believe it reinforces Texas's commitment to limited government and long-term economic competitiveness. However, opponents argue that embedding a preferential funding mechanism in the Constitution undermines transparency and limited government. They suggest that a statutory approach with standard budget oversight would better maintain fiscal accountability.
The ballot language for the amendment reads: "The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust." Texans will decide the fate of this amendment, along with the other 16 proposals, in the upcoming election.
Amendments and Human Rights: Exploring Constitutional Similarities
You may want to see also
Denial of bail
On November 4, 2025, Texans will vote on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. One of these amendments, HJR 7, addresses the denial of bail under certain circumstances.
The right to bail is addressed in both the United States and Texas Constitutions. The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits "excessive bail," but does not specify what constitutes "excessive." The Texas Constitution provides greater protection, stating that ""all prisoners shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, unless for capital offenses."
However, there are circumstances in which bail can be denied in Texas. Currently, bail may be refused to any person accused of a felony who has been twice convicted of a felony, or any person charged with an offense involving family violence whose bail has been revoked or forfeited for violating a condition of release. Bail can also be denied to someone who violates an Emergency Protection Order or is accused of a sexual offense involving a child under 14 years of age.
The proposed amendment, HJR 7, would expand the circumstances under which bail can be denied. It would authorize judges to deny bail to individuals charged with serious felonies, such as murder, aggravated assault, and human trafficking.
This amendment has sparked debate. Supporters argue that it improves public safety, while opponents contend that it undermines individual liberty by expanding pretrial detention without conviction and curtailing judicial discretion.
Amendment's Aim: Abolishing Poll Taxes and Protecting Voting Rights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Texas Water Fund
The Texas Water Fund amendment, also known as Proposition 6, aims to address the significant water infrastructure needs in Texas. According to sponsor Charles Perry (R-28), the state's water infrastructure requires billions of dollars to repair aging and failing pipes and develop new water supplies. It is estimated that Texas loses 136 billion gallons of water annually due to leaking water mains, and the state is projected to face a shortage of 7 million acre-feet of water in the next 50 years.
The amendment proposes to divert up to $1 billion per year in existing sales tax revenue into the Texas Water Fund. This funding would be automatically allocated each year, bypassing the typical legislative appropriations process, and would continue until 2035 unless extended by the legislature. The fund would be administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), which oversees state programs related to water resource conservation and development.
The Texas Water Fund is not a new financial assistance program but rather a mechanism to facilitate funding through existing financial assistance programs and the newly established New Water Supply for Texas Fund. The TWDB is currently working on implementing the Texas Water Fund and seeking stakeholder feedback to determine funding priorities.
The amendment has received support from various organizations, including the Texas Water Development Board, the Texas Water Conservation Association, the Texas Oil & Gas Association, and several other industry groups. The Dallas Morning News Editorial Board recommended voting yes on the amendment, citing the need to address Texas' deteriorating water infrastructure. However, Texas Policy Research recommended voting no, expressing concerns about limited government and fiscal accountability.
Amendments: Our Constitution's Evolution and Adaptability
You may want to see also
Child-care facility tax exemption
Texas has a history of constitutional amendments, with 281 ballot measures appearing on statewide ballots between 1985 and 2022. Texans will vote on proposed amendments as part of the election process, with the next one scheduled for November 4, 2025, where 17 proposed amendments will be on the ballot.
One of the proposed amendments for the 2025 election relates to child-care facility tax exemption. This amendment, known as Proposition 2, seeks to allow cities and counties to create property tax breaks for childcare facility owners. Currently, Texas law does not permit exemptions for childcare facilities, and voting yes on this proposition would enable local governments to offer tax relief to these businesses.
Voting results from previous years show that Texans have supported the majority of ballot measures. For instance, in the 2023 legislative session, 297 constitutional amendments were filed, and Texans will decide on 17 of these in the upcoming election. Texans have shown a preference for amendments that uphold individual liberty and personal responsibility, such as the "'right to farm' amendment proposed in 2023, which aimed to guarantee the right to farm, ranch, or garden on owned or leased land.
The child-care facility tax exemption amendment aims to provide financial relief to businesses that provide childcare services. Childcare facilities face unique challenges and operational costs, and this amendment recognises these challenges by providing an opportunity for local governments to support these vital community services.
In conclusion, the child-care facility tax exemption amendment is one of many proposed constitutional amendments that Texans will vote on in 2025. This particular amendment addresses a specific need to support childcare facilities, and if passed, it will enable local governments to offer property tax breaks to these essential businesses.
Amending the Constitution: Our Living, Breathing Document
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Texans can expect a varying number of constitutional amendments on their ballots. In 2021, there were eight, in 2023, there were 14, and in 2025, there will be 17.
Texas ballots feature constitutional amendments in odd-numbered years and even-numbered years. However, since the Texas Legislature convenes regular sessions in odd-numbered years, most amendments have been referred to ballots during those years.
The Texas State Legislature decides which constitutional amendments appear on Texas ballots. These amendments must be joint resolutions approved by at least two-thirds of the Texas House and Senate.
The 2023 Texas ballot included 14 constitutional amendments, including propositions to protect the right to farm, lower property taxes on childcare centres, and prohibit individual wealth or net worth taxes.
The 2021 Texas ballot included eight constitutional amendments, including propositions to allow professional rodeo charitable foundations to conduct charitable activities and to limit school district property taxes for surviving spouses of disabled persons aged 55 or older.
