Texas voters approved a slate of 17 amendments to the Texas Constitution Tuesday, including several changes to current tax structures and making investments in water, dementia prevention, and the Texas State Technical College. 

Amendments to the Texas Constitution are placed on the ballot every two years following a legislative session. All changes to the state’s constitution require voter approval. Once a constitutional amendment is passed by a two-thirds majority in the Texas Legislature, the proposal is published so voters can review it. Texans then vote to accept or reject the amendment, and if a simple majority approves it, the change becomes part of the state constitution. This process ensures that major policy or structural changes are made only with direct voter input. 

The amendments on this year’s ballot were as follows: 

Proposition 1: Funds Texas State Technical College (69% : 31% For/Against*) 

Proposition 2: Ban on capital gains taxes (65% : 35% For/Against*) 

Proposition 3: Bail reform (61% : 39% For/Against*) 

Proposition 4: Water infrastructure funding (70% : 30% For/Against*) 

Proposition 5: Tax exemption on animal feed (64% : 36% For/Against*) 

Proposition 6: Securities tax ban (55% : 45% For/Against*) 

Proposition 7: Tax exemption for veterans’ spouses (86% : 14% For/Against*) 

Proposition 8: Inheritance tax ban (72% : 28% For/Against*) 

Proposition 9: Business inventory and equipment tax exemption (65% : 35% For/Against*) 

Proposition 10: Tax exemption for homes destroyed by fire (89% : 11% For/Against*) 

Proposition 11: School tax exemption for the elderly or disabled homeowners (78% : 22% For/Against*) 

Proposition 12: Changing the State Judicial Conduct Commission (62% : 38% For/Against*) 

Proposition 13: Increased school tax exemption for homeowners (79% : 21% For/Against*) 

Proposition 14: Funding for dementia research and prevention (69% : 31% For/Against*) 

Proposition 15: Codifying parental rights (70% : 30% For/Against*) 

Proposition 16: Clarifying citizenship requirement for voters (72% : 28% For/Against*) 

Proposition 17: Property tax exemption for border security infrastructure (57% : 42% For/Against*) 

*These numbers are not yet certified but are unlikely to change significantly.  

A closer look at the three education-related amendments 

In short, the two property tax amendments are designed to provide property tax relief by reducing the portion of a home’s value subject to school district taxation: 

• Proposition 13 (SJR 2) will increase the general homestead exemption for a homeowner’s primary residence from $100,000 to $140,000. 
• Proposition 11 (SJR 85) authorizes the Legislature to raise the additional exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 up to $60,000.  

These two measures will lower tax bills for many homeowners, but they will also reduce the amount of local property tax revenue available to fund public schools. Under state law, school districts are held harmless for such losses as passage does not impact school funding entitlements. In other words, the state must replace the lost local revenue with state funds to meet its funding obligations. The shift effectively moves a larger share of the total cost of public education onto the state budget, but it does so without increasing the overall funding going to schools. So, while these tax changes will benefit homeowners in the short term, they could increase long-term pressure on the state’s finances. If economic conditions tighten or revenue growth slows in the future, maintaining current levels of school funding could become more difficult.  

Proposition 15 (SJR 34) adds language to the Texas Constitution affirming that parents are the primary decision-makers for their children. The text does not reference public education, but the issue arises in a broader policy environment where parental rights have been a recurring theme. During the 89th legislative session, several high-profile bills, including Senate Bill (SB) 12 and those creating an Education Savings Account (ESA) voucher program, were framed as efforts to expand parental control over students’ educational experiences. The parental rights amendment does not create or alter any education programs, but it builds on the same philosophical argument that parents should have increased authority in matters affecting their children.  

The amendment elevates existing statutory and caselaw protections for parents into the state’s constitution, giving them higher legal status, and it could shape how courts interpret future disputes involving students, parents, and public education, such as curriculum content, disciplinary actions, or access to instructional materials. Its long-term implications will depend on how it is applied in future legal contexts.  

Special election results 

In Tarrant County, the race in Senate District 9 to replace former Sen. Kelly Hancock (R), who is now the acting state comptroller, is headed to a runoff between Democrat Taylor Rehmet and Republican Leigh Wambsganss. Wambsganss, who gained notoriety as a grassroots activist in 2021 in the Southlake school board elections, has the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) as well as President Donald Trump. She is currently the chief communications officer for Patriot Mobile and the executive director of its political action committee, Patriot Mobile Action. Patriot Mobile is also known for its role in conservative politics, particularly at the local level in Dallas-area school board races. Taylor Rehmet, her opponent in the runoff, is a machinist and Air Force veteran. A runoff will be held in February, with the winner serving the remainder of Hancock’s Senate term through 2026. 

What’s next for Texas voters in 2026  

Next on the election calendar are the March 3 primary elections, which historically are the elections of consequence in Texas. The major statewide offices of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and state comptroller are all up for reelection, as well as all members of the Texas House and some seats in the Texas Senate and on the State Board of Education. 

These elections will be the first held using the newly drawn Texas congressional maps, which are currently being challenged in court. The deadline to file for placement on the March primary ballot is Dec. 8, and candidates are awaiting the ruling before filing for candidacy under the new maps. Many prospective congressional candidates are current members of the Texas Legislature, so the ruling will have a direct impact on the makeup of our next state Legislature. It’s unclear what effect the current litigation may have on upcoming elections, but we will continue to post any news here at Teach the Vote.