DALLAS — Texans heading to the polls on Nov. 4 will face a jam-packed ballot featuring 17 proposed constitutional amendments, the largest slate in more than 20 years.
From property tax relief to education funding, bail reform, and bans on future taxes, the amendments reflect a sweeping range of legislative priorities.
Voters in Dallas County will also weigh in on local issues, including a $1.4 billion school bond and a closely watched special election for a state Senate seat in neighboring Tarrant County.
A Tax-Heavy Ballot
Nearly half of the amendments deal with taxes, most aiming to cut or restrict them. Supporters frame the slate as a chance to return billions from the state surplus to taxpayers.
Critics warn the cumulative effect could strain local services and future school funding. Here’s a quick breakdown of all 17 propositions:
- Proposition 1 would create new funds to support construction and equipment upgrades for Texas technical colleges.
- Proposition 2 would ban the state from ever imposing a tax on the sale or gain from stocks and similar assets.
- Proposition 3 would require judges to deny bail for certain violent and sexual offenses if the defendant poses a threat.
- Proposition 4 would dedicate up to $1 billion annually from sales tax revenue to a new Texas Water Fund.
- Proposition 5 would allow the Legislature to exempt animal feed held for retail sale from property taxes.
- Proposition 6 would prohibit taxes on securities and other financial services transactions.
- Proposition 7 would provide a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of military veterans who died from service-related causes.
- Proposition 8 would ban the state from imposing an estate or inheritance tax.
- Proposition 9 would increase the exemption for business personal property taxes from $2,500 to $125,000.
- Proposition 10 would allow temporary property tax exemptions for homes rendered uninhabitable by fire.
- Proposition 11 would raise the school property tax exemption for homeowners aged 65 and older or disabled from $10,000 to $60,000.
- Proposition 12 would restructure the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to improve oversight and transparency.
- Proposition 13 would increase the general homestead exemption for school property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000.
- Proposition 14 would create a $3 billion fund for a Texas dementia research institute.
- Proposition 15 would add a parental rights clause to the state constitution, affirming the role of parents in raising their children.
- Proposition 16 would explicitly state that only U.S. citizens can vote in Texas elections.
- Proposition 17 would authorize tax incentives for landowners who build border security infrastructure in counties along the Texas-Mexico border.
Dallas County Spotlight
In Dallas County, Richardson ISD is asking voters to approve a $1.4 billion bond package for school construction, technology upgrades, and stadium improvements.
Garland ISD seeks a tax rate hike to boost teacher pay and maintain programs. Cities like Glenn Heights also feature mayoral and council elections alongside bond proposals.
Neighboring Tarrant County voters will fill the vacant Senate District 9 seat. With three candidates running, including two Republicans and one Democrat, the race could head to a runoff.
Voting Information
Early voting runs Oct. 20-31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Voters must present an approved photo ID.
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