Lynn Stucky
On Tuesday, Nov. 2, Texas voters will have the opportunity to vote on eight propositions or constitutional amendments. These eight propositions are the result of either a House Joint Resolution or Senate Joint Resolution passed by the legislature during the 87th Legislative Session. Below you will find a brief summary of the propositions.
Proposition 1 (H.J.R. 143)
Summary: Currently several professional sports organizations in Texas are allowed to conduct raffles for charitable foundations. Prop 1, if passed, would allow the Professional Rodeo Associations to be included on the list of groups that may hold raffles to benefit charities.
Proposition 2 (H.J.R. 99)
Summary: Currently, the Texas Constitution allows an incorporated city or town to issue bonds or notes to finance the development or redevelopment of an area of their jurisdiction. Prop 2, if passed, would allow Counties to also issue bonds or notes for the same purpose, with limits on the amounts allowed and prohibiting a County from using these bonds for toll-road infrastructure.
Proposition 3 (S.J.R. 27)
Summary: In the case of a Pandemic, this proposition will affirm the U.S. Constitutional First Amendment right to freedom of religion and assembly by protecting churches from being shut down in Texas. Prop 3, if passed, would confirm that those that do the work of the religious organizations are needed during a crisis, affirming that churches are essential in Texas.
Proposition 4 (S.J.R. 47)
Summary: Prop 4, if passed, would require anyone eligible to run for the offices of Justice on the Supreme Court of Texas, the Court of Criminal Appeals, or a District Court of Appeals to have practiced law in Texas for 10 years, be a resident of Texas, and not have had their law license suspended or revoked during those 10 years. Under Prop 4, District Court Judge qualifications will include the same eligibility requirements, except the term during which they must have practiced law or served as a judge would have to add up to eight years.
Proposition 5 (H.J.R. 165)
Summary: Currently the constitution gives the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct the authority to investigate complaints against judges and justices and impose discipline when appropriate, including suspending or removing them from office for violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Prop 5, if passed, would authorize the Commission to investigate complaints and take similar actions against candidates for judicial office for misconduct, therefore holding them to the same ethical standards.
Proposition 6 (S.J.R. 19)
Summary: During COVID-19 senior living facilities locked down, limiting residents’ visits from loved ones. Prop 6, if passed, will assure seniors, and others in nursing facilities at least one person will always be able to check, in person, on that resident’s well-being.
Proposition 7 (H.J.R. 125)
Summary: Prop 7, if passed, would allow for a surviving spouse of a disabled person, if the surviving spouse was at least 55 years old when their spouse passed away, to continue to receive a break on their homestead’s school taxes.
Proposition 8 (S.J.R. 35)
Summary: Currently there are a few Texans who are exempt from paying property taxes, including 100% disabled veterans. Prop 8, if passed, would include the surviving spouse of a service member killed or fatally injured in the line of duty. @