Friends,

I have been so grateful to see so much engagement from our community this year, and I hope you will stay involved this fall by making your voice heard at the polls. Early voting is underway, with voters casting ballots on proposed Texas constitutional amendments.

During the last legislative session, my colleagues and I voted on 17 proposed amendments designed to strengthen our communities, improve government accountability, and move us closer to a Texas that lives up to its promise. Each amendment will require a simple majority of voters to pass this November, so be sure to make your voice count.

I encourage you to stay informed and participate in this pivotal election. Your insights and advocacy guide the work my team and I do every day, so I also hope you continue reaching out to my office. Together, we can identify solutions and build a Texas that works for everyone.

All the best,

John Bucy III

State Representative 

Texas House District 136

In the most recent legislative session, the Texas Legislature passed 17 amendments to the state constitution for voter consideration. Each one was passed by a two-thirds vote in both the Texas House and Senate. You will have a chance to vote on each by November 4, 2025. Each amendment requires a simple majority to be officially added to the Texas Constitution.

PROP 1: Technical College Fund

Creates the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund and the Available Workforce Education Fund. These funds will both serve to expand capital infrastructure at the Texas State Technical College System.

PROP 2: Prohibiting Capitol Gains Tax

Prohibits any tax on realized or unrealized capital gains for individuals, families, estates, or trusts. Since Texas does not have this type of tax, the measure is entirely unnecessary.

PROP 3: Responsible Bail Reform
Defendants charged with serious felonies such as murder, aggravated assault, or indecency with a child who are found by a judge to pose a flight risk or threat to public safety must be denied bail. However, even in these cases, judges still decide the facts, and defendants retain the right to legal representation and a bail hearing.

PROP 4: Funding Water Infrastructure
Allocates an additional $1 billion of existing sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund, which supports efforts to develop new water sources and repair outdated infrastructure.

PROP 5: Animal Feed Tax Exemption

Creates a property tax exemption for animal feed being prepared for retail sale by its owners. Any property tax exemption requires a constitutional amendment because of how the state’s tax system is structured.

PROP 6: Financial Transaction Taxes
Prohibits the State Legislature from imposing taxes on the processing or transaction of some regulated financial securities. This measure signals support for increasing investment and participation in the Texas Stock Exchange by keeping market entry costs low and promoting growth in the state.

PROP 7: Surviving Spouse Exemption

Clarifies an existing property tax exemption for un-remarried spouses of veterans who died in connection to their service, better ensuring the exemption works as intended.

PROP 8: Prohibiting Estate Tax
Prevents the Texas Legislature from implementing a tax on the transfer of estates or inheritances. This tax does not currently exist in Texas, making this unnecessary.

PROP 9: Business Tax Exemptions
Increases the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000. This would apply to a business’ inventory, equipment, or any property used to produce income.

PROP 10: Property Fire Tax Appraisals
Would allow Texans whose property is destroyed by a fire to get a new property appraisal for the purpose of qualifying for certain temporary tax exemptions.

PROP 11: Equitable Tax Exemption
Raises the homestead exemption related to school property taxes for elderly and disabled Texans from $10,000 to $60,000. The state is required to make up lost revenue.

PROP 12: Judicial Conduct Commission
Gives the governor more control over judicial oversight by adding governor-appointed members to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Also increases penalties, removes discretion, alters tribunal composition, and further politicizes the state’s judiciary.

PROP 13: Homestead Tax Exemption
Raises the homestead exemption related to school property taxes from $100,000 to  $140,000. The state is required to make up revenue school districts lose using general funds.

PROP 14: Dementia Prevention Institute
Creates the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and provides for $3 billion to support this institute and its operations.

PROP 15: Limiting Children’s Rights
Undermines protections for children by adding language to the Texas Constitution that gives parents the right to “exercise care, custody, and control of their child.” This language is expected to complicate custody decisions and reduce children’s voices in safety decisions.

PROP 16: Citizenship Voting

Adds redundant language to the Texas Constitution stating that non-citizens cannot vote. This requirement is already established under Article 6 of the Texas Constitution, ensuring this proposition only serves to create fear and pander to misinformation.

PROP 17: Border Property Tax Exemption

Prevents homeowners along the border from being taxed for public border security infrastructure, which belongs to the government and not to them, if it is built on their private land. Tax exceptions will match the estimated change in the property’s market value caused by these security projects.

Review either a condensed or an in-depth guide from the Texas Legislative Council here.

My team is available to assist you! Our office hopes that you do not hesitate to reach out when you have questions regarding state agencies, legislation, or other challenges you’re facing. Also, please check out these upcoming opportunities!

Kayak and Paddleboard Lessons

Wednesday, Oct 22nd

Join the Austin Rowing Club for FREE Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake! Experience a relaxing evening on the water. Kayaks, oars and life jackets provided! Event begins at 6:00pm at the Austin Rowing Club.

Cedar Park Fall Round Up

Saturday, Oct 25th

This Western-themed extravaganza has exciting activities: armadillo races, hayrides, a petting zoo, roping stations, and leather crafts. Grab your cowboy hats and boots, and mosey on over to Lakeline Park on Saturday from 12-4pm. 

Round Rock Fall Festival

Wednesday, Oct 29th 

This fantastic, family event will sure to be exciting for all of our little toddler and preschool friends! The Fall Fun Fest begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at Old Settlers Park. Don’t forget to come in costume and bring a canned food item to donate to the Round Rock Food Pantry.

Artist of the Month

Our office is looking to support local artists by spotlighting their work in the capitol. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please email us at [email protected].

Request a Resolution or Honorary Flag

My team is looking for celebratory and memorial resolutions to honor individuals and organizations across HD 136. Please reach out if you or a neighbor has a success, retirement, anniversary, or otherwise. Request a resolution or honorary Texas Flag by emailing rowen.kliethermes@house.texas.gov.

Transit Tangents

Can This Texas Democrat Make High Speed Rail a Reality?

Sit down with Texas State Rep John Bucy III to discuss Texas High Speed Rail proposals, local projects such as Austin's Project Connect, as well as the realities of working towards public transportation.

KXAN

Bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers visit death row inmate Robert Roberson days before execution

A bipartisan group of state representatives is currently visiting the Polunsky Unit in Livingston to show support for death row inmate Robert Roberson.

CBS Austin

Texas court stays execution of Robert Roberson; lawyer hails it as 'important' step

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has stayed the execution of Robert Roberson, who was set to be executed a week from Thursday, in a narrow 5-4 decision.

KXAN

Texas lawmakers react after Robert Roberson’s execution halted

Robert Roberson will get another chance to prove his innocence in a district court after the state’s highest criminal court blocked his execution scheduled for next week.

Political advertising paid for by John Bucy Campaign, Molly Bucy, treasurer.

Our mailing address is:

John Bucy Campaign

P.O. Box 536, Austin, TX 78767