Star-Telegram endorsements: Texas constitutional amendment election | Opinion

Off-year elections are generally sleepy enough. This year’s batch of Texas constitutional amendments might, at first glance, induce narcolepsy.

But look again before you nod off. There are several important propositions on the ballot that will help the state prepare for the future. And, of course, some are bad ideas that voters should reject.

Here are our recommendations on all 17 amendments.

Proposition 1: The amendment and associated legislation would create a dedicated stream of revenue to expand the programs of the Texas State Technical College in Waco. Ask just about any business or economic leader about their concerns for the future, and they’ll mention the need for more skilled workers in infrastructure-related trades. This is a smart, affordable way to strengthen the economy long-term. Recommendation: FOR

Proposition 2: Investments are generally not taxed until they yield a gain, and this would prevent lawmakers from creating such a tax. A wealth tax would damage the economy and curtail investment, but Texas need not clutter its constitution further to prevent it. Recommendation: AGAINST

Proposition 3: Bail would be automatically denied for those accused of the most serious violent crimes. Judges could override the provision under certain circumstances. If there’s a problem with dangerous people getting bail, replace poor-performing judges. Otherwise, trust judges’ discretion. Recommendation: AGAINST

Proposition 4: The state’s long-term thirst can hardly be slaked, thanks to population growth. Water projects take years of planning, and a steady stream of funding will remove one obstacle to addressing one of Texas’ biggest priorities. This fund would get $1 billion a year without requiring new action from the Legislature. Recommendation: FOR

Proposition 5: This proposal would end taxation of businesses’ inventory of animal feed intended for sale to farmers and ranchers. While it may seem obscure, it would help the state’s vital agriculture sector. Recommendation: FOR

Proposition 6: The amendment would prohibit taxation of certain financial transactions, an effort to bolster the new Texas Stock Exchange. Surely the Legislature can handle this without amending the Constitution. Recommendation: AGAINST

Proposition 7: Surviving spouses of military veterans who die from conditions that the federal government determines to be service-related would be exempt from some or all property taxes on their homes. It would affect a small number of people but help them tremendously, and it’s a good way to compensate veterans’ families for their sacrifices. Recommendation: FOR

Proposition 8: The state would be barred from creating a “death tax,” a levy on estates or inheritances. Once again, this is something the Legislature can handle if stopping it ever becomes necessary. Recommendation: AGAINST

Proposition 9: This amendment would prohibit value-based taxation of personal items used for business purposes. It’s a worthy protection for small businesses. Recommendation: FOR

Proposition 10: Those who lose their homes to fire could temporarily be exempted from paying property taxes on the destroyed house. The devastation of such a loss is tremendous, and helping victims of it is a worthy goal. Recommendation: FOR

Proposition 11: Elderly and disabled Texans could be exempted from property taxes on a certain share of their homes’ values. We appreciate the need to help vulnerable populations maintain housing, but this is far too broad. Recommendation: AGAINST

Proposition 12: The composition of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct would change, with more appointments made by the governor than the Texas Supreme Court. It’s best if most members are chosen by judges who best understand their skills and the panel’s needs. Recommendation: AGAINST

Proposition 13: This is the Legislature’s latest property tax cut, achieved by raising the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. As long as lawmakers can afford to keep cutting, they should. Recommendation: FOR

Proposition 14: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made creating a Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas a legislative priority, and this amendment would establish and fund the new entity. We are generally leery of the state getting into such business, but this is a public-health priority as our population ages. Recommendation: FOR

Proposition 15: This would enshrine in the Constitution that parents have the right to make decisions that affect the care and upbringing of their children. It hardly seems necessary, but it’s probably not harmful, either. Recommendation: FOR

Proposition 16: Like Prop 15, this amendment to state that only citizens can vote in Texas elections seems like a solution in search of a problem. However, if it will silence even some unfounded complaints about people who are here illegally voting, it’s probably worth it. Recommendation: FOR

Proposition 17: This would allow for property-tax exemptions for border-county residents whose land becomes more valuable because of a border-security project, such as a fence or wall. It’s a fair deal in a small number of cases. Recommendation: FOR

Any registered voter can vote on these propositions. In Tarrant County, voters can cast ballots at any polling place. Early voting begins Oct. 20 and ends Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4.

This story was originally published October 16, 2025 at 4:43 AM.