Advocacy Update 8.31.2023
Texas Constitutional Amendment Propositions, Part II
On November 7, Texans will go to the polls to vote on 14 proposed amendments to the state constitution. Below is a summary of the final seven propositions, in the order they will appear on the ballot. Direct links to each proposition are also included for further reading.
To catch up on the first half of this series, visit last week’s update.
Proposition 8: CSHJR 125 proposes a Texas Constitutional amendment to establish the Broadband Infrastructure Fund outside the general revenue fund, managed by the comptroller. The fund would support broadband expansion with appropriations, transfers, and donations, including a transfer from the economic stabilization fund.
Proposition 9: CSHJR 2 aims to amend the constitution to allow the Legislature to provide cost-of-living adjustments or supplemental payments to eligible Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) annuitants, contingent on TRS's financial stability and sufficient legislative funding. The proposal includes a temporary provision for a $3.45 billion transfer to TRS, to be used for contributions, payments, and enhancements, without constituting a state tax revenue appropriation.
Proposition 10: SJR 87 seeks to grant the Legislature power to exempt the tangible personal property of medical or biomedical product manufacturers from property taxes when used as finished goods or for manufacturing these products. The aim is to enhance the healthcare network and strengthen the medical supply chain by protecting equipment and inventory from ad valorem taxation.
Proposition 11: SJR 32 suggests changing the Texas Constitution so that El Paso County can use property taxes to issue bonds for funding parks and recreational areas.
Proposition 12: HJR 134 would abolish the office of County Treasurer in Galveston County. The resolution would authorize the Commissioners Court of Galveston County to employ or contract with a qualified person or to designate another county officer to perform any of the functions that would have been performed by the County Treasurer.
Proposition 13: HJR 107 aims to modify the Texas Constitution by adjusting the mandatory retirement age for justices or judges to either 79 or an earlier age, not less than 75, as determined by the Legislature. Additionally, the bill seeks to eliminate a provision that allows judges to continue serving until December 31 of their fourth year if they turn 75 within their initial four-year term.
Proposition 14: CSSJR 74 seeks to amend the Texas Constitution to create the centennial parks conservation fund as a separate trust fund for the development and enhancement of state parks. The fund would consist of appropriations, transfers, investments, and donations. The amendment would allow the Legislature to allocate money from the fund to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or its successor for the designated purposes.
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