Texas REALTORS® Positions on Nov. 7, 2023 Propositions

Legislation

Bill: HJR 126

Authors: Burns, et al.

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management."

Texas REALTORS® Support Because:

Proposition 1 preserves property rights, protects one of the largest industries in Texas, and ensures Texans will have reliable access to safe and affordable food.

Legislation

Bill: SJR 64

Author: West

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility."

Supporters Say:

Proposition 2 will help address the critical child-care shortage in Texas, a problem that causes the Texas economy to lose more than $9 billion a year.

Opponents Say:

This would expand the property tax exemption provided to a certain group, thereby increasing the tax burden on other property owners, and further eroding the tax base.

Legislation

Bill: HJR 132

Authors: Hefner, et al.

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual wealth or net worth tax, including a tax on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family."

Supporters Say:

Proposition 3 would help keep taxes low and preserve financial freedom for Texans.

Opponents Say:

A wealth tax provides a useful source of public funding, allowing the state to address critical public needs while reducing income inequality.

Legislation

Bill: HJR 2 – Second Special Session

Authors: Bettencourt, et al.

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the board of directors of certain appraisal districts."

Texas REALTORS® Support Because:

Proposition 4 provides much-needed property tax relief for Texans.

Legislation

Bill: HJR 3

Author: Bonnen

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy."

Supporters Say:

Proposition 5 will help Texas universities achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy forward.

Opponents Say:

Proposition 5 doesn’t go far enough — Texas universities need more significant funding.

Legislation

Bill: SJR 75

Author: Perry

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state."

Texas REALTORS® Support Because:

Proposition 6 would provide a critical source of funding to protect our water quality, ensuring Texans have plenty of clean water and preserving real estate values for the future.

Legislation

Bill: SJR 93

Author: Schwertner

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities."

Texas REALTORS® Support Because:

Proposition 7 protects real estate values by helping to ensure that the Texas energy grid can meet the demands of tomorrow.

Legislation

Bill: HJR 125

Author: Ashby

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects."

Texas REALTORS® Support Because:

Proposition 8 elevates real estate values by bringing critical broadband infrastructure to areas in need of service.

Legislation

Bill: HJR 2

Authors: Bonnen, et al.

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas."

Supporters Say:

Proposition 9 helps alleviate the financial struggles retired Texas teachers are currently facing through a cost-of-living adjustment and a one-time payment to retirees age 70 and older.

Opponents Say:

At an increase ranging from 2% to 6% depending on when a teacher retired, Proposition 9 fails to meet the actual needs of retirees. The majority of retired Texas teachers have not received a cost-of-living adjustment since 2004, and inflation has outpaced the proposed cost-of-living adjustment.

Legislation

Bill: SJR 87

Author: Huffman

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen our medical supply chain."

Supporters Say:

Proposition 10 will incentivize medical and biomedical manufacturing companies to operate in Texas, strengthening our state economy and our domestic supply chain.

Opponents Say:

Proposition 10 will cost Texans millions of dollars while providing significant savings to corporations that don’t need them. This proposition fails to meaningfully address the problems the Texas economy is facing.

Legislation

Bill: SJR 32

Author: Blanco

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities."

Supporters Say:

Proposition 11 would elevate the quality of life in El Paso, ensuring that local parks and recreational facilities remain in good condition.

Opponents Say:

Proposition 11 would open the door for additional burden to be placed on El Paso taxpayers.

Legislation

Bill: HJR 134

Authors: Bonnen, et al.

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of county treasurer in Galveston County."

Supporters Say:

The office of county treasurer is not necessary for the county government to function effectively. Abolishing the position will save taxpayer dollars.

Opponents Say:

The office of county treasurer is critical to maintaining checks and balances within the local government. Opponents also argue that abolishing the office of county treasurer would erode transparency and accountability to the taxpayers and voters.

Legislation

Bill: HJR 107

Authors: Price, et al.

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges."

Supporters Say:

Given today’s longer life expectancies, 75 is no longer a reasonable age to require that judges and justices step down. In addition to bringing state law in line with the modern day, Proposition 13 would also allow a more experienced and diverse group of state justices and judges to bring their skills and qualifications to the bench.

Opponents Say:

The mandatory age of retirement ensures that no judge or justice works beyond the point that he or she is effective on the bench. Raising the mandatory age of retirement does not serve Texas citizens. Additionally, opponents note that Proposition 13 likewise raises the minimum age for retirement. Requiring that judges and justices work an additional 5 years isn’t fair and is unlikely to attract individuals to the role.

Legislation

Bill: SJR 74

Author: Parker

Ballot Language:

"The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks."

Supporters Say:

Proposition 14 creates more state park land, protecting our environment and wildlife while helping Texas remain a great state to live, work, and play.

Opponents Say:

In a time of worsening economic conditions, Proposition 14 directs Texas taxpayer dollars in an area that we cannot afford.