Several Constitutional Amendments Set For November Ballot

Legislators approved 10 amendments to the Texas Constitution for a Nov. 5 ballot that would include the creation of a $1.7 billion flood infrastructure fund overseen by the Texas Water Development Board, temporary reduction of tax rates on disaster-damaged property, and a ban on a state income tax.

Other amendments would exempt precious metals in the Texas Bullion Depository from taxation, enable one person to be elected as a judge in multiple cities, permit retired police dogs to reside with their handlers, and increase the amount of bonds to $6 billion that may be sold to help fund the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

If passed, an amendment would raise the Texas General Land Office (GLO) distribution limit to a possible $600 million and allow the State Board of Education (SBOE) to sell bonds for the same reason. Texas parks would benefit from an amendment directing all revenue from sporting goods sales taxes to go to state park operators.

Support from two-thirds of the Texas House and Senate and a voter majority are necessary for constitutional amendments to become law. They do not require the governor’s signature with the exception of the GLO and SBOE measures.

Source: Strategic Partnerships, Inc.