Simone Lawson
Texans voted on 14 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution on November 7, 2023. Among these was Proposition 11, which concerns the issuance of bonds. Proposition 11 proposes authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Proposition Number | 11 |
| Ballot Order | 11th |
| Constitutional Amendment | Authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds |
| Supported By | Ad valorem taxes |
| Purpose of the Bonds | Funding the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities |
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What You'll Learn
Proposition 11: El Paso County's ability to issue bonds
Texas Proposition 11, also known as the Authorize Bond Issues in Conservation and Reclamation Districts in El Paso County Amendment, was on the ballot in Texas as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 7, 2023. The proposition received approval from El Paso voters, amending Section 59 of Article 16 of the Texas Constitution.
The approval of Proposition 11 authorizes conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds to fund parks and recreational facilities. These bonds will be backed by property taxes, specifically ad valorem taxes, to repay the debts. Before the passing of Proposition 11, El Paso County was not among the counties permitted by a 2003 constitutional amendment to give conservation and reclamation districts the ability to issue bonds for parks and recreational spaces. Proposition 11 brings El Paso County into alignment with other counties in Texas, enabling it to develop and enhance its recreational facilities and green spaces.
Proposition 11 expands the opportunities for El Paso to attract and retain top talent, boosting economic development and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The proposition equips El Paso with a valuable tool to expand its green spaces and recreational offerings. However, despite the approval of Proposition 11, there seems to be a lack of immediate plans to utilize this new authorization. El Paso County Commissioner David Stout noted that the Commissioners Court was not consulted about the bill and was unaware of it until after its passage.
The passage of Proposition 11 was supported by various editorial boards and witnesses during Texas House hearings. The Houston Chronicle Editorial Board, the Austin Chronicle Editorial Board, and the San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board all recommended voting "For" Proposition 11, recognizing the benefits it would bring to El Paso County. Additionally, state Sen. Cesar Blanco, the author of the Senate bill that brought Proposition 11 to voters, emphasized that it corrects an oversight by enabling El Paso County to issue bonds for parks and greenspaces.
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Supported by ad valorem taxes
Proposition 1 would authorize the issuance of up to
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Funding development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities
In 2003, an amendment was made to the Texas Constitution, allowing conservation and reclamation districts in specific counties to issue bonds to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. However, El Paso County was excluded from this amendment, resulting in a lack of funding for the county's park system. To address this, Proposition 11, or SJR 32, was introduced as part of the November 7, 2023, Constitutional Amendment Election in Texas.
Proposition 11 proposes to amend the Texas Constitution by authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes for the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. This amendment aims to address the underfunded park system in El Paso County and improve the health and wellness of its residents while promoting economic development in the region.
The proposition specifically focuses on authorizing indebtedness payable from taxes necessary for improvements and maintenance within conservation and reclamation districts located wholly or partially in certain counties, including El Paso County. By expanding the authority of the legislature in this regard, the proposition seeks to provide a dedicated funding source for enhancing and sustaining parks and recreational facilities in the county.
The funding generated from Proposition 11 will be used exclusively for the intended purpose of developing and maintaining parks and recreational facilities within El Paso County. This dedicated funding stream will ensure that the county's parks and recreational areas receive the necessary financial support for their upkeep and enhancement, benefiting the local community and visitors alike.
Additionally, the successful passing of Proposition 11 will contribute to the overall improvement of Texas's park system. With less than 5% of Texas land being publicly owned and only 0.37% designated as state parks, the state ranks 35th in the nation for state park acreage per capita. This proposition, along with others like the Creation of the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund Amendment (Proposition 14), demonstrates a commitment to investing in and expanding Texas's state parks and recreational spaces.
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Voting 'yes' or 'no'
On November 7, Texans will vote on 14 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Two of these propositions are about bonds. Here is a direct and detailed overview of the potential outcomes of voting 'yes' or 'no' on these propositions:
Proposition 11 – SJR 32
Voting 'yes': A vote in favour of Proposition 11 supports El Paso County's ability to issue bonds to fund parks and recreational facilities. Conservation and reclamation districts in certain counties across Texas, including Harris County, already have the ability to issue bonds for this purpose. Proposition 11 would add El Paso County to this list.
Voting 'no': A vote against Proposition 11 opposes El Paso County's ability to issue bonds to fund parks and recreational facilities. This would maintain the current situation, where El Paso County does not have the authority to issue bonds for this purpose.
Proposition 10 – SJR 87
While Proposition 10 is not directly about bonds, it does concern taxation and could impact the funding available for bonds and other initiatives.
Voting 'yes': Voting 'yes' on Proposition 10 supports new tax breaks for biomedical manufacturers. This would exempt the value of medical supplies manufactured in Texas, as well as the equipment used to produce them, from property taxes.
Voting 'no': Voting 'no' on Proposition 10 opposes the creation of a new tax break for biomedical manufacturers. This would maintain the current taxation rules and could result in higher tax revenues for the state.
It is important to note that the outcomes of these propositions are complex and could have far-reaching implications for Texas. Voters should consider their choices carefully and seek out additional information to make informed decisions.
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Texas Constitution amendment
The Texas Constitution allows conservation and reclamation districts in certain counties to issue bonds to develop and maintain parks and recreational facilities. However, El Paso County is not currently among the counties with this authority. This is set to change with Proposition 11, which seeks to amend the Texas Constitution to allow El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.
Proposition 11 is one of 14 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution that voters weighed in on during the Nov. 7 election. Texans voted for local offices, bond issues, and these 14 propositions, which could have implications across the state for years to come. The propositions covered a range of topics, including property tax breaks, expanding broadband access, eliminating capital gains taxes, and protecting the right to farm, ranch, and garden.
Proposition 10, for example, sought to exempt equipment and inventory held by manufacturers of medical or biomedical products from ad valorem taxation to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen the medical supply chain. Proposition 12 aimed to abolish the office of the county treasurer in Galveston County, while Proposition 13 proposed increasing the mandatory retirement age for state justices and judges.
The Texas Constitution Amendment process allows Texans to vote directly on policy changes at the state level, bypassing the usual process of voting for representatives to make these laws. This direct voting on constitutional amendments gives Texans a unique opportunity to shape the policies that will govern their state.
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Frequently asked questions
Proposition 11 is about authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.
Voting "yes" on Proposition 11 means supporting El Paso County’s ability to issue bonds to fund parks and recreation facilities.
Voting "no" on Proposition 11 means opposing El Paso County’s ability to issue bonds to fund parks and recreation facilities.
Proposition 10 is about authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen the medical supply chain.
