I've never shared my political opinions publicly before and honestly, I'm a little nervous. But if this post helps even a few people better understand what's on the Texas ballot this November, then I'm glad I did it. My goal here is NOT to tell you how to vote. It's simply to help unpack what these propositions actually mean. And the way these propositions are worded are very misleading and you may not be voting for what you think you're voting for. We can disagree and still coexist. In fact, my opinions on many of these propositions are mixed. While I believe some of these measures come from good intentions, not all of them need to be written into our Constitution.
Overall, I tend to prefer less government oversight. I've seen how bureaucracy can misappropriate funds, slow progress, and create more confusion than clarity. I try to balance head and heart, and to consider not just what benefits me, but what's best for my community and for Texas as a whole.
It's very possible that after sharing this, I'll gain new insights that shift how I feel and I'm okay with that. I truly believe we're allowed to change our minds when presented with new information.
Maybe only a few people will read this, but going through this process has helped me learn so much more about what's actually happening in our state. These constitutional amendments aren't small, they shape policies and priorities that can affect generations. Some of them genuinely scare me. My hope is that you take a little time to read, reflect, and do your own research too. Your vote really does matter.
Quick Summary: My Votes
Vote Yes: Proposition 1 (Texas State Technical College funding), Proposition 2 (Capital gains tax ban), Proposition 4 (Water infrastructure funding), Proposition 6 (Securities tax ban), Proposition 7 (Tax exemption for veterans' spouses), Proposition 8 (Inheritance tax ban), Proposition 9 (Inventory and equipment tax exemption), Proposition 10 (Property Tax Relief After a Fire), Proposition 13 (Increase to the General Homestead Exemption)
Vote No: Proposition Q, Proposition 3 (Bail reform), Proposition 5 (Tax exemption on animal feed), Proposition 11 (Higher Homestead Exemption for Seniors and Disabled Texans), Proposition 12 (Judicial Conduct Commission Reform), Proposition 14 (Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas), Proposition 15 (Parental Rights Amendment), Proposition 16 (Citizenship Requirement for Voting), Proposition 17 (Border Security Property Tax Exemption)
Proposition 1 — Texas State Technical College Fund
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System."
Context: Right now, Texas State Technical Colleges rely on yearly funding approved by lawmakers. This amendment would create permanent funds that generate investment income every year, so the colleges have a steady source of money to build, upgrade, or equip campuses without waiting on the Legislature.
Why it matters: More stable money could mean updated labs, more seats, and faster expansion in high-demand job programs (e.g., advanced manufacturing, health tech). Critics worry this "locks in" spending and reduces lawmakers' flexibility in tight budget years.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It ensures a steady source of funding for training the state's future workforce, which could boost economic growth and meet job demand.
- Opponents say: It increases government spending and limits flexibility for future lawmakers by creating a permanent funding stream outside the normal budget process.
My Opinion: Vote Yes. I support efforts to strengthen education that helps Texans build in-demand job skills. As a Realtor, I see firsthand how badly our state needs more skilled labor in home construction. From friends who work in hospitals, I also hear constantly about staff shortages in healthcare. While TSTC doesn't have a major presence in Austin, expanding its funding benefits the state overall by improving access to technical education and addressing labor shortages in critical industries.
Proposition 2 — Ban on Capital Gains Tax
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust."
Context: Texas doesn't tax capital gains today. This amendment writes that ban into the Constitution, so a future Legislature couldn't add a tax on profits from selling investments or property without another constitutional change.
Why it matters: It would lock in Texas's low-tax posture for investors and retirees, while removing a potential revenue option for future budgets or reforms.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It protects Texas's business-friendly reputation, encourages investment, and guarantees there won't be new taxes on investment profits.
- Opponents say: It's unnecessary since Texas doesn't have this tax now, and it could restrict future lawmakers from addressing revenue needs in creative ways.
My Opinion: Vote Yes. Frankly, I work in real estate, I own real estate and I don't want to be taxed on the profits of the sale of my home. There currently is not a state tax on capital gains. This is a big benefit of owning and investing in real estate in Texas. If you're curious about the financial advantages of homeownership in our state, check out our guide to tax benefits of owning property in Texas.
Proposition 3 — Denying Bail for Certain Serious Felonies
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony."
Context: Texas already allows judges to deny or restrict bail in limited situations. This amendment adds a new constitutional rule: if prosecutors show at a hearing that someone charged with specific violent felonies (e.g., murder, aggravated sexual assault, trafficking) is a danger or likely to skip court, the judge must deny bail.
Why it matters: It tightens pretrial release for the most serious cases to prioritize safety. Concerns include higher jail populations, longer pretrial detention for people not yet convicted, and pressure on county jails.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It improves public safety by keeping dangerous offenders in custody until trial.
- Opponents say: It could lead to longer jail times for people who haven't been convicted yet and worsen overcrowding or inequities in the justice system.
My Opinion: Vote No. I strongly believe everyone deserves due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. This amendment feels like an overreach that could threaten those principles and disproportionately impact minority communities. Texas already has strict bail laws under Senate Bill 6 (the Damon Allen Act), which reformed the bail system in 2021 to make release harder for violent offenses. After speaking with a criminal defense attorney friend, I confirmed that bail is already difficult to obtain and often set at unaffordable levels. To me, Proposition 3 further erodes due process and expands government authority. This is a firm no for me.
Proposition 4 — Dedicated Annual Money for the Texas Water Fund
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas Water Fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue."
Context: The Texas Water Fund (approved in 2023) is a big pot for water projects: fixing old pipes, reducing water loss, and developing new supplies. This amendment automatically routes up to $1 billion per year from sales-tax growth into that fund for a set period.
Why it matters: Predictable money helps long, expensive water projects actually get built, which supports growth and drought resilience. Some worry it earmarks too much of the budget and still may not be enough to cover the state's long-term water needs.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It's a smart investment in Texas's long-term water security, ensuring reliable supplies for homes and businesses.
- Opponents say: The amount isn't enough to solve the water crisis, and dedicating funds through the Constitution reduces budget flexibility.
My Opinion: Vote Yes. Just yes. Texas urgently needs sustainable water funding. As one of the fastest-growing states and the eighth-largest economy in the world, we can't continue to expand without securing our water future. More than $150 billion in water, wastewater, and flood projects have been identified for the next 20 years. As a Realtor, I already see areas where development is limited by water availability, and residents face drought restrictions and conservation mandates. Texas and Austin can't continue to grow, support critical infrastructure, or maintain our quality of life without immediate, long-term water planning.
Proposition 5 — Property-Tax Exemption for Animal Feed Inventory
The Ballot Language: "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."
Context: Feed is tax-exempt when farmers buy it, but retailers' unsold feed inventory is currently taxed as business personal property. This amendment allows lawmakers to stop taxing that inventory.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It helps ranchers and feed stores by lowering business costs, which could make feed cheaper for consumers.
- Opponents say: It gives one industry a special tax break that others don't get, and reduces local tax revenue.
My Opinion: Vote No. Proposition 5 would give animal feed sellers a special tax break by exempting their inventory from property taxes, even though almost all other businesses still pay taxes on theirs. I don't believe this will actually lower prices for consumers—it just means more profit for retailers. Property taxes help fund essential things like schools and infrastructure. Texas shouldn't create a carve-out for one industry when everyone else pays their share.
Proposition 6 — Ban on Securities Transaction/Exchange Taxes
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from enacting a law imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions."
Context: With efforts to launch a Texas-based stock exchange and attract more financial firms, this amendment pre-emptively bans state taxes on stock/derivatives trades and on exchange operators.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It protects investors and encourages businesses like stock exchanges to come to Texas, creating jobs and strengthening the economy.
- Opponents say: It could make it harder for the state to manage future budgets or emergencies since lawmakers couldn't add such taxes later.
My Opinion: Vote Yes. I support keeping Texas a low-tax, business-friendly state. Proposition 6 prevents the creation of new taxes on securities transactions—the buying and selling of stocks and similar investments. With the Texas Stock Exchange in development (which would be HUGE for Texas) and other exchanges considering moving here, this measure signals that Texas is serious about attracting investment and economic growth. Financial-transaction taxes in other places have been shown to slow trading, raise costs, and hurt retirement savings.
Proposition 7 — Property Tax Relief for Surviving Spouses of Veterans
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected."
Context: This measure expands an existing homestead property tax exemption to include surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected illnesses recognized by federal law (like cancers and respiratory diseases under the PACT Act). Previously, only spouses of veterans who died in action were eligible.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It fixes a gap in benefits, helping families of veterans who died from toxic exposures and honoring their service.
- Opponents say: It could shift tax burdens onto other residents, especially in areas near military bases.
My Opinion: Vote Yes. I'll always support measures that honor and help veterans and their families. Proposition 7 corrects an oversight by extending property tax relief to surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-related illnesses, including those now recognized under the federal PACT Act. Veterans can rest easier knowing their spouses will continue to have Texas's support. This is an easy yes—it honors their service by providing real financial relief and stability for their families.
Proposition 8 — Ban on State Estate or Inheritance Taxes
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing a tax on the transfer or inheritance of property at death."
Context: Texas repealed its estate ("death") tax years ago, but this amendment would permanently ban such a tax in the state constitution.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It ensures families and small businesses can pass property to heirs without new taxes.
- Opponents say: Since Texas doesn't currently have these taxes, it's unnecessary and limits future flexibility.
My Opinion: Vote Yes. The last thing anyone needs after losing a loved one is a massive tax bill. With the baby boomer generation beginning the largest transfer of wealth in U.S. history, this measure helps protect families, farms, and small businesses from added financial strain. "Death taxes" can force families to set aside money for potential taxes instead of reinvesting in their property or business. The money people leave behind has already been taxed once—it shouldn't be taxed again.
Proposition 9 — Business Property Tax Exemption Increase
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income."
Context: Texas businesses pay local property taxes on most of their equipment, tools, and inventory. This amendment allows lawmakers to raise the exemption to $125,000, meaning many small businesses could owe no tax on their equipment at all.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It reduces paperwork and taxes for small businesses, freeing money for growth and investment.
- Opponents say: It could reduce local government and school funding, possibly shifting taxes elsewhere.
My Opinion: Vote Yes. I generally support Proposition 9 because it helps local businesses by reducing unnecessary tax and administrative burdens. This mainly benefits small businesses while larger corporations would still pay taxes on higher-value property. The accompanying legislation (HB 9) includes safeguards to prevent companies from splitting assets or creating multiple entities to claim multiple exemptions. Overall, Proposition 9 supports economic growth, encourages entrepreneurship, and strengthens Texas's reputation as a business-friendly state.
Proposition 10 — Property Tax Relief After a Fire
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire."
Context: Currently, if a home burns down, the owner may still owe property tax based on its pre-fire value until it's rebuilt. This amendment allows a temporary tax exemption for the destroyed structure during the rebuilding period.
My Opinion: Vote Yes. Pretty straightforward. However, in order to obtain this exemption, the property must be completely destroyed. It does not grant relief to homeowners whose property was significantly damaged. If you want to learn more about how to protect your biggest investment—your home—it's always worth thinking ahead.
Proposition 11 — Higher Homestead Exemption for Seniors and Disabled Texans
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled."
Context: This measure raises the existing homestead exemption for Texans age 65 and older, or those with disabilities, from $10,000 to $60,000 for school property taxes.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It provides meaningful relief to people over 65 on fixed incomes and protects them from being priced out of their homes.
- Opponents say: It's another short-term tax cut that reduces funding for schools and public services.
My Opinion: Vote No. At first, I was a yes. Of course I want to help and protect the most vulnerable members of our community—seniors and people with disabilities. But after more thought and research, I felt like the additional tax cuts reducing the money available for schools, healthcare, and infrastructure was a bigger issue. We are already voting in Prop 13, an increase in homestead exemption to $140,000. If the amendment is approved, the state would have to make up for revenue school districts would no longer collect. That could cost Texas about $1.2 billion in the 2026-2027 budget cycle.
Proposition 12 — Judicial Conduct Commission Reform
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment revising the organization, duties, and review process of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct."
Context: The State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) is responsible for investigating complaints against judges and disciplining those found to have violated ethics rules. This amendment would expand the commission from 13 to 15 members, shift more appointment power to the governor (7 members instead of 5), and give the Legislature limited oversight to review commission procedures and rules.
Why it matters: This amendment reshapes the balance of power between Texas's three branches of government—the executive (Governor), the legislative (Lawmakers), and the judicial (Courts).
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: Giving the governor two more appointments to the SCJC makes the process more publicly accountable, since the governor is directly elected by Texans. Recent judicial reforms linked to this amendment could reduce backlogs of complaints and increase transparency.
- Opponents say: Allowing the governor to appoint a majority of SCJC members could give the executive branch too much influence over judicial discipline. The new oversight authority for the Legislature could weaken the independence of the judicial branch.
My Opinion: Vote No. This one is complex, and I see both sides. Of course I want more transparency and efficiency in how judges are held accountable—who doesn't? But I'm not convinced this proposition actually delivers that. Instead, it feels risky to give the Governor more influence over how judges are investigated and disciplined. I worry that could open the door to political pressure in a system that should stay independent.
Proposition 13 — Increase to the General Homestead Exemption
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation of the market value of a residence homestead from $100,000 to $140,000."
Context: This measure raises the main property tax exemption every Texas homeowner can claim on their primary residence. The exemption would increase by $40,000 for school district property taxes, lowering the taxable value of most homes.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It offers meaningful relief for homeowners and helps offset rapid increases in property values.
- Opponents say: It's a short-term fix that reduces school funding and doesn't address the root problem of high property taxes.
My Opinion: Vote Yes. Maybe I'm a little biased as both a homeowner and a Realtor, but this kind of tax relief is much needed. An increase in the homestead tax exemption would provide broad-based relief to all homeowners and be a meaningful benefit for many Texans. It would especially help elderly homeowners on fixed incomes who face rising healthcare and insurance costs, as well as first-time buyers managing high mortgage payments and new home expenses. With this increase in the general homestead exemption, I voted no on Prop 11 which added another tax exemption just for those over 65. This broader relief already covers everyone fairly and maintains balance in the system. Want to understand more about the common real estate terms that come up when discussing property taxes and homestead exemptions? We've got you covered.
Proposition 14 — Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and a dedicated fund to support its research, treatment, and education initiatives."
Context: This would create a new state-funded institute modeled after the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The institute would focus on research, prevention, and treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and related brain disorders.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It would fund critical research and care innovations for millions affected by Alzheimer's and dementia, and attract top researchers to Texas.
- Opponents say: It duplicates existing programs and commits billions in new funding without clear accountability.
My Opinion: Vote No. This was a tough one for me. Initially, I was a strong yes because I deeply want to support more funding for research into Alzheimer's, dementia, and other devastating neurological diseases. These conditions affect so many Texans and families, and I believe investment in prevention and treatment is critical.
But after digging deeper, I became uncomfortable with the idea of putting this level of medical funding into the state Constitution. It's a huge financial commitment at a time when Texas already faces urgent needs in areas like water and public education. Agency leaders for this new institute would be appointed by politicians, which raises real concerns about favoritism, mismanagement, and political influence over scientific priorities. While I want to see breakthroughs in dementia research, I believe medical innovation is best handled by the private sector and free market, not a state-run program. So while my heart says yes, my head says no on this one.
Proposition 15 — Parental Rights Amendment
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment affirming the rights and responsibilities of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children."
Context: Texas law already recognizes parents' rights to make decisions about their children's education and healthcare. This amendment would elevate those rights to the state constitution, making them harder for the Legislature or agencies to limit.
Support vs Opposition:
- Supporters say: It guarantees parents—not the government—have final say in how their children are raised, educated, and cared for.
- Opponents say: It could undermine protections for children and interfere with schools or doctors acting in a child's best interest.
My Opinion: Vote No. Yikes, this one is controversial. At first, I thought I'd vote yes because, like most people, I want the freedom to raise my future children without government interference. But after doing more research and thinking about what this means constitutionally, I changed my mind. Parental rights are already well protected under existing laws and court rulings. Writing them into the Constitution could have unintended consequences.
While I understand the instinct to protect our own families, I also think about children whose parents or guardians may not have their best interests at heart. Elevating parental rights to the constitutional level could make it harder to intervene in cases of abuse or neglect. I want less government oversight in my life, not more—but this amendment feels like a step in the wrong direction.
Proposition 16 — Citizenship Requirement for Voting
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment to prohibit noncitizens from voting in the state of Texas."
Context: Texas law already requires voters to be U.S. citizens. This amendment would add that restriction to the state constitution to prevent any local government from allowing noncitizens to vote in municipal or school elections in the future.
My Opinion: Vote No. This proposition feels unnecessary and mostly symbolic. Noncitizens are already prohibited from voting under both state and federal law, and there's little evidence that it's a widespread problem in Texas. Using the Constitution for symbolic statements sets a risky precedent and distracts from real priorities like water infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The Texas Constitution should be reserved for meaningful changes, not political gestures. Honestly annoyed this is even on the ballot.
Proposition 17 — Border Security Property Tax Exemption
The Ballot Language: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation property used for the construction or operation of border security infrastructure."
Context: This measure would let the Legislature create property tax exemptions for land or equipment used to build or operate border security infrastructure, such as fences, lights, or surveillance systems. It would apply mainly in counties along the Texas-Mexico border.
My Opinion: Vote No. I don't know enough about this one to have a strong opinion, but after researching and calling a few Realtors and property managers in border towns, I couldn't find anyone who felt this proposition would benefit local homeowners. Most said property near the border wall is primarily land or commercial space, not residential, so any tax exemption likely benefits landowners more than everyday Texans. With so little clear information, it's hard to see how a tax exemption for "border security infrastructure" actually improves property values or benefits communities. I generally vote no when the benefit isn't clear.
Proposition Q (Austin Local)
Proposition Q proposes a 5-cent property tax rate increase per $100 valuation, generating approximately $109.5 million annually, to expand programs addressing housing affordability, homelessness reduction, parks and recreation, public health, public safety, and general operations within Austin's 2025–2026 budget.
My Opinion: Vote No. Believe it or not, I was considering a yes—even as a Realtor and homeowner. I fully support expanding programs that improve affordability, reduce homelessness, and strengthen Austin's public infrastructure. However, I believe this tax increase is premature. My no-vote is not because the goals are wrong, but because the City hasn't yet earned my trust to execute them effectively.
After reading through the city audit, it was clear that Austin's internal systems for homelessness and housing programs are still under construction. Until these reforms are complete and transparency, coordination, and measurable outcomes are publicly demonstrated, I cannot support giving the City a blank check and a permanent tax raise.
Have a question? Email me!
