What does Proposition 5 on the TX constitutional amendment ballot actually mean?
Texas voters are considering a proposed constitutional amendment that supporters say would make animal feed more affordable.
The ballot language for Proposition 5, one of 17 on the Nov. 4 ballot: “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.”
The plain language: This constitutional amendment allows the Texas Legislature to exempt animal feed that’s being sold from property taxes.
The context: Business owners must pay property taxes on most items used to produce an income, and exemptions must be permitted under the Texas constitution, according to the Texas Legislative Council. For instance, voters have previously approved a property tax exemption for agricultural equipment. If this exemption is approved by voters, starting in January 2026, people wouldn’t have to pay property taxes on their inventory of animal feed that they’re going to sell.
Supporters say the amendment would make feed more affordable because feed sellers are paying high taxes on feed, leading to higher costs for farmers and ranchers, according to the Texas Legislative Council. But opponents say the exemption is an unfair tax benefit for feed sellers.
