By State Rep. Brooks Landgraf
On Nov. 2, eight proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution will be on the ballot for a statewide vote. For these amendments to pass, they must be approved by a majority of Texas voters.
I am extending a friendly invitation for you to vote and have your voice be heard in this important election. I want to explain the nuts and bolts of each proposition so that you can confidently make an informed vote on each one.
- Proposition 1 would amend the Texas Constitution to allow organizations sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to conduct charitable raffles at rodeos.
- Proposition 2 would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize counties to issue bonds or notes to finance the development of transportation projects in the county.
- Proposition 3 would amend the Texas Constitution to prohibit Texas state and local governments from issuing an order or rule that prohibits or limits religious services, including religious services conducted in places of worship.
- Proposition 4 would amend the Texas Constitution to require state judges and justices to have more years of experience in Texas as a licensed practicing lawyer, state court or county court judge without having their license suspended or revoked.
- Proposition 5 would amend the Texas Constitution to give the State Commission on Judicial Conduct the authority to accept complaints and reports regarding the conduct of candidates for judicial offices and to take appropriate disciplinary action upon investigation.
- Proposition 6 would amend the Texas Constitution to establish the right of residents of nursing homes, living centers and similar facilities to designate an essential caregiver with whom the facility, residence, or center may not prohibit in-person visitation.
- Proposition 7 would amend the Texas Constitution to provide that the surviving spouse of a person who is disabled is entitled to continue to receive the homestead school tax limitation if the surviving spouse is 55 years of age or older when the disabled person dies.
- Proposition 8 would amend the Texas Constitution to provide the surviving spouse of a member of the armed services of the United States who is “killed in action” an exemption from property taxes of all or part of the market value of the surviving spouse’s residence homestead if the surviving spouse has not remarried since the death of the member.
I hope this helps explain these important measures that will be on your ballot. Early voting runs from Monday, Oct. 18 to Friday, Oct. 29. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. Go out and vote and let West Texas be heard!
God bless Texas!
