November 9, 2025

NEWS DIGEST

by Brandon Waltens

Good morning,

Texas voters approved all 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution in Tuesday’s election, enacting a broad package of tax cuts, spending programs, and policy changes advanced by the legislature earlier this year.

The measures required a two-thirds vote by the legislature earlier this year before being placed on the ballot.

Some of the most prominent items approved included a series of property tax measures that together amount to what lawmakers called the largest tax relief package in state history. Voters approved an increase in the standard homestead exemption for school property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000.

Another measure raised the exemption for elderly and disabled Texans from $10,000 to $60,000.

Additionally, businesses will now be able to exempt up to $125,000 in equipment and inventory from local property taxes.

Several amendments also permanently prohibit new forms of taxation. Texas will now constitutionally ban inheritance and estate taxes, a capital gains tax on investment profits, and taxes on stock or securities transactions.

Alongside the tax measures, voters approved a constitutional amendment expanding judicial authority to deny bail in certain violent felony cases. The change allows judges to hold defendants who are determined to pose a public safety threat or flight risk. The amendment follows several years of debate in Austin over Texas’ bail system, which came under scrutiny after a series of high-profile cases in which violent offenders released on bond were later accused of new crimes. The new provision places the stricter bail rules directly into the state constitution, giving them permanence beyond ordinary statutes.

Other amendments approved Tuesday include the creation of several new state funds. One will establish a permanent endowment for the Texas State Technical College System to finance workforce training and campus improvements.

Another dedicates part of state sales tax revenue to a Texas Water Fund aimed at addressing long-term water infrastructure and drought projects. A third creates a $3 billion Dementia Prevention and Research Institute to support research and treatment programs related to Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases.

Voters also ratified a series of policy and governance measures. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct will be restructured to include more public members and its authority to discipline judges expanded. The constitution will now include language explicitly affirming that parents are the primary decision-makers for their children. Another amendment reiterates that only United States citizens may vote in Texas elections.

In addition, voters approved a new property tax exemption for border landowners whose property values increase because of the installation of state border security infrastructure.

The passage of all 17 amendments brings the total number of changes to the Texas Constitution to 547 since it was adopted in 1876.

Featured Texas Voters OK Billions in School Property Tax Increases [[link removed]]

By Erin Anderson

Most Texas voters skipped Tuesday’s elections, but those who voted in their local school district contests collectively approved billions in new bond debt and permanent property tax rate increases.

More than 2.5 million Texans voted statewide on constitutional amendments, a turnout of about 14 percent. All 17 amendments passed—including several designed to lower property tax burdens.

Yet locally, many voters gave their school districts the okay to spend billions more tax dollars and to permanently raise their property tax rates.

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The case is being remanded to a district court that previously blocked the law’s enforcement.

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A dozen families are now part of the original lawsuit against the district and Caleb Elliott, who faces a new felony charge of sexual performance by a child. Hood County Sheriff Arrests Man for Social Media Posts [[link removed]]

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The invitation highlights the lower cost of living and support for law enforcement officers from state officials.

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