During the legislative session this past spring, lawmakers passed seven resolutions to amend the Texas Constitution. Any constitutional amendment requires a vote by the people, so these seven items will be listed on the ballot as propositions in the November 7th General Election. (See proclamation from Governor Abbott)

Voters have asked the Republican Party of Texas to weigh in on these propositions. Although none of them directly address our platform planks, there are some planks that are relevant to the issues in the propositions.

We trust you, the Republican voter, to do your due diligence as you consider the context, think for yourself, and make a decision based on your beliefs and best understanding.

Early voting begins Monday, October 23rd. The Secretary of State Elections division provides additional information, including sample ballots and explanations. Check your county elections website for voting information and locations.

Prop. 1:

“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization for less than the market value of the residence homestead and harmonizing certain related provisions of the Texas Constitution.”

From HJR 21 — read full text here

  • Plank 40: Homestead Protection- We support continuance of Texas’ homestead protection.
  • Plank 175.5:  Abolishing property taxes, but in the interim, property taxes should be paid on the price of the property when it was initially purchased.
  • From Plank 230: Support of our Armed Forces- The men and women who wear our country’s uniform, whether on active duty or in the Reserves or National Guard, are the most important assets in our military arsenal. They and their families must have the pay, health care, housing, education and overall support they need. Injured military personnel deserve the best medical, mental health and rehabilitative care our country has to offer. We must always remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice; their families must be assured meaningful financial assistance. It is the solemn duty we owe and honor we give to those who bravely don the uniform of freedom.

Summary: While the ultimate goal is to see the property tax abolished, there is allowance for supporting homestead exemptions, payments based on the original price of the property, and strong support for benefits that support our armed forces.

Prop. 2:

“The constitutional amendment to establish a lower amount for expenses that can be charged to a borrower and removing certain financing expense limitations for a home equity loan, establishing certain authorized lenders to make a home equity loan, changing certain options for the refinancing of home equity loans, changing the threshold for an advance of a home equity line of credit, and allowing home equity loans on agricultural homesteads.”

From SJR 60 — read full text here

  • Plank 7; Principle 5. Personal accountability and responsibility.
  • Plank 45: Preserving Private Enterprise- We believe that goods and services which are not transported across state lines should not be subject to federal regulations, or regulated by any other level of government other than the minimum necessary to prevent disease, fraud, injury to others, or other infringement of citizens’ unalienable rights.
  • From Plank 175: Tax Burden- We believe that the borrower truly is a slave to the lender,
    and so long as we continue to increase our tax and debt burdens we will never be a truly free people.
  • Plank 188: Lending Institutions- We support the sunset of Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).

Summary: Reduced regulations on any industry at any level of government are a welcome relief to consumers, but consumers should be cautious about the potential risks that accompany any increase in debt.

Prop. 3:

“The constitutional amendment limiting the service of certain officeholders appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate after the expiration of the person’s term of office.”

From SJR 34 — read full text here

  • Plank 17: Unelected Bureaucrats- We oppose the appointment of unelected bureaucrats and we support defunding and abolishing the departments or agencies of the Internal Revenue Service, Education, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Labor, and Interior (specifically, the Bureau of Land Management), Transportation Security Administration, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and National Labor Relations Board. In the interim, executive decisions by departments or agencies must be reviewed and approved by Congress before taking effect.
  • Plank 19: Term Limits- We support Federal and statewide offices term limits for political offices to three terms, or twelve years maximum for any single office.

Summary: Supporting term limits for politicians and opposing the appointments of unelected bureaucrats indicates a clear preference that if someone is going to be appointed, they should not overstay their welcome.

Prop. 4:

“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to require a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute and authorizing the legislature to prescribe a waiting period before the court may enter a judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.”

From SJR 6 — read full text here

  • Plank 1; Preamble: We strive to preserve the freedom given to us by God, implemented by our Founding Fathers, and embodied in the Constitution.
  • Plank 3; Principle 1: “The laws of nature and nature’s God” and we support the strict adherence to the original intent of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutions of the United States and of Texas.
  • Plank 6; Principle 4: Limiting government power to those items enumerated in the United States and Texas Constitutions.

Summary: Laws should be constitutional and uphold our God-given rights. Any challenge to the constitutionality of a law should be taken seriously.

Prop. 5:

“The constitutional amendment on professional sports team charitable foundations conducting charitable raffles.”

From HJR 100 — read full text here

  • Plank 109: Gambling- We oppose the expansion of legalized gambling.
  • From Plank 151: Tax deductions for charitable contributions are not government subsidies and give no authority for government oversight.

Summary: If this is not a form of gambling but simply charitable contributions, no government involvement is necessary.

Prop. 6:

“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 first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.”

From SJR 1 — read full text here

  • Plank 20: No Elected Class Exemptions- The Government shall not exempt its members from any provisions of existing or proposed laws.
  • Plank 21: Law Enforcement- We proudly support our law enforcement agencies and their personnel.
  • Plank 40: Homestead Protection- We support continuance of Texas’ homestead protection.

Summary: Generally, exemptions should not apply to government employees. However, similarly to Prop. 1, there is allowance in the platform for homestead exemptions.

Prop. 7:

“The constitutional amendment relating to legislative authority to permit credit unions and other financial institutions to award prizes by lot to promote savings.”

From HJR 37 — read full text here

  • Plank 45: Preserving Private Enterprise- We believe that goods and services which are not transported across state lines should not be subject to federal regulations, or regulated by any other level of government other than the minimum necessary to prevent disease, fraud, injury to others, or other infringement of citizens’ unalienable rights.
  • Plank 109: Gambling- We oppose the expansion of legalized gambling.
  • Plank 196: Business Right to Choose- We support a business owner’s right to conduct their business as they see fit.

Summary: While gambling is not condoned, freedom to conduct business without government interference is supported.