Texans will face an unusually crowded ballot this November, with 17 proposed constitutional amendments up for consideration. These proposals stem from the jam-packed 89th regular legislative session and two follow-up special sessions, where lawmakers pushed through high-profile items such as parental rights, bail reform, water infrastructure, and new tax exemptions, along with less prominent fiscal measures.
Some of the amendments are directly tied to enabling legislation already passed this year — meaning they would take effect immediately if voters approve them. Others instead authorize the Legislature to take action in the future, giving lawmakers new powers under constitutional protections.
The breadth of the ballot reflects a mix of bread-and-butter issues, like property tax relief and water funding, alongside culture war priorities such as parental rights and voting eligibility.
Here’s a breakdown of what Texans will see on the ballot on Election Day, November 4, 2025.
Prop. 1 — Funding for the Texas Technical College System
SJR 59 proposes creating two permanent funds:
the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund and
the Available Workforce Education Fund.
Both would operate outside the state’s general revenue fund, managed by the state comptroller. The idea is to give Texas’ technical colleges stable, long-term funding to invest in infrastructure and workforce training programs, with an eye toward bolstering the state’s skilled labor pipeline.
Supporters argue this measure helps prepare Texans for jobs in industries ranging from advanced manufacturing to energy and technology. Critics question whether carving out funds outside the general revenue system reduces legislative oversight.
Prop. 2 — Capital Gains Tax Prohibition
This amendment would permanently ban a state tax on capital gains, whether from an individual, family, estate, or trust. Texas does not currently impose such a tax, but supporters — including fiscal conservatives in the Legislature — say enshrining the ban in the Constitution prevents future attempts to levy one.
Opponents argue the measure ties the hands of future lawmakers, removing flexibility to respond to changing budget needs.
Prop. 3 — Bail Reform
Perhaps the most high-profile item on the ballot, Prop. 3 requires judges to deny bail for people accused of certain serious felonies, including:
murder or capital murder
aggravated kidnapping
aggravated robbery
aggravated sexual assault
indecency with a child
human trafficking and continuous human trafficking
The amendment was authored by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) after years of debate over how to address repeat violent offenders in counties like Harris, where crime has been a political flashpoint.
On the ballot, the text will read:
“The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony.”
Supporters say the measure will keep dangerous offenders off the streets. Critics warn it risks clogging jails with accused individuals who have not been convicted, raising constitutional concerns about due process.
Prop. 4 — Texas Water Funding
One of the more practical — but no less urgent — proposals, Prop. 4 would steer money into the Texas Water Fund to tackle water supply shortages, infrastructure needs, and conservation projects.
Texas faces growing strain on water resources due to rapid population growth, drought cycles, and aging infrastructure. Supporters say this amendment provides a stable, dedicated source of funding. Opponents caution about long-term costs and whether rural versus urban areas will benefit equally.
Prop. 5 — Animal Feed Tax Exemption
This measure would exempt animal feed products sold at retail from personal property taxation. Ranching and farming groups back the change, saying it will help rural economies. Fiscal skeptics argue the cumulative effect of exemptions like this erodes the tax base needed for schools and local services.
Prop. 6 — Securities Transactions Tax Prohibition
Prop. 6 prevents lawmakers from imposing an occupational or transaction tax on entities buying or selling securities, such as stocks. Texas has no such tax today, but the measure would close the door on any future attempts.
Backers argue it helps keep Texas competitive as a business hub. Critics see it as a “solution in search of a problem.”
Prop. 7 — Veteran Spouse Homestead Tax Exemption
Currently, the surviving spouses of veterans killed in service can keep their ad valorem homestead exemption only if they remain in the same home. Prop. 7, or HJR 133, would extend that exemption to spouses even if they move.
Supporters say it is a commonsense show of respect for military families. The measure has drawn little public opposition.
Prop. 8 — Death Tax Prohibition
Prop. 8 would ban any form of estate, inheritance, succession, or gift tax at the state level. Again, Texas does not levy such taxes, but this locks in the prohibition.
Prop. 9 — Business Tax Exemption
This measure allows businesses to exempt up to $250,000 in market value of tangible personal property used for income production. Supporters say it gives relief to small businesses; local governments warn it could reduce revenues that fund essential services.
Prop. 10 — Fire Disaster Homestead Exemption
Homeowners whose primary residence is destroyed by a fire could receive temporary property tax relief under this amendment. The measure was prompted by recent devastating wildfires across Texas.
Prop. 11 — Tax Exemption for the Elderly or Disabled
This amendment increases the school property tax exemption for elderly and disabled Texans from $10,000 to $60,000.
With rising home values driving up property tax bills, this measure is pitched as relief for vulnerable populations. However, it could reduce local school district revenues, prompting calls for the state to step in with backfill funding.
Prop. 12 — Judicial Conduct Reforms
Prop. 12 expands the authority of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, along with the Texas Supreme Court and a tribunal system, to more effectively sanction judges for misconduct.
Supporters say the amendment strengthens accountability. Some critics fear it could politicize the judiciary if oversight becomes weaponized.
Prop. 13 — Homestead Exemption from School District Taxes
Another pocketbook issue, Prop. 13 increases the basic school district homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000.
This could provide significant relief to homeowners, though again at the cost of reduced school funding unless the Legislature backfills revenue.
Prop. 14 — Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
One of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s flagship priorities, Prop. 14 creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) with a $3 billion investment.
The institute would research dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and related conditions — modeled after the state’s Cancer Prevention and Research Institute (CPRIT).
Advocates call it a forward-thinking investment in public health as Texas’ population ages. Critics question whether the state should commit billions amid other pressing needs.
Prop. 15 — Parental Bill of Rights
This controversial measure declares that parents are the primary decision-makers for their children.
Linked to SB 12 by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), the amendment has raised questions about implementation in public schools. Some parents report confusion after new TEA guidelines, including school nurses withholding basic first aid without explicit parental permission.
Supporters frame it as empowering parents and protecting families. Opponents warn it could interfere with educators’ ability to care for students and create legal uncertainty.
Prop. 16 — U.S. Citizenship Requirement for Voting
Prop. 16 clarifies that only U.S. citizens may vote in Texas elections.
While federal law already requires this, recent debates about noncitizen participation in local elections prompted the amendment. Over the summer, Secretary of State Jane Nelson referred 33 alleged noncitizen voters to Attorney General Ken Paxton for investigation.
Supporters call it a safeguard; critics argue it is redundant and fuels unnecessary suspicion of the voter rolls.
Prop. 17 — Border Infrastructure Tax Exemption
The final proposition allows the Legislature to provide property tax relief to counties along the U.S.-Mexico border for costs associated with building or maintaining border security infrastructure.
This amendment ties directly into Texas’ ongoing investments in state-funded border enforcement.
The Bigger Picture
Eight of the 17 amendments on the ballot deal with some form of tax exemption or prohibition. Others touch on hot-button issues like crime, parental rights, and voting eligibility. Still others focus on long-term investments in infrastructure, education, and health.
When announcing the ballot order in June, Secretary of State Nelson framed the slate as a direct opportunity for voters:
“Texas lawmakers have proposed 17 amendments to the state constitution, and now Texans will have the opportunity to weigh in on each amendment. This is an opportunity to make your voice heard about the governing document of our state.”
What’s Next
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Early voting will begin in late October. Texans will need to review not only candidates but also this extensive list of constitutional amendments, each carrying consequences for the state’s fiscal policy, criminal justice system, and public institutions.
For voters, the challenge will be sorting through a ballot that is both broad and technical, weighing immediate relief against long-term costs, and balancing personal values with practical considerations.
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