The Texas State Legislature referred seven constitutional amendments to the ballot related to taxes, the state judiciary, raffles at rodeo venues, county authorization to issue bonds for infrastructure, designated essential caregivers at nursing facilities, and limitations on religious services.
Proposition 1
Authorize Charitable Raffles at Rodeo Venues Amendment
A YES vote supports amending the state constitution to (i) authorize professional sports team charitable foundations to conduct raffles at rodeo venues and (ii) include professional association-sanctioned rodeos in the definition of professional sports team.
A NO vote opposes amending the state constitution, thus continuing to prohibit charitable raffles at rodeo venues.
Our position: No.
Proposition 2
Authorize Counties to Issue Infrastructure Bonds in Blighted Areas Amendment
A YES vote supports amending the state constitution to:
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authorize counties to issue bonds to fund transportation and infrastructure projects in blighted areas;
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prohibit counties from allocating more than 65% of property tax revenue increases annually to repay the bonds; and
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prohibit counties from using the funds from the issuance of the bonds to build a toll road.
A NO vote opposes amending the state constitution, thereby maintaining that only cities and towns may issue bonds to fund transportation and infrastructure projects in blighted areas.
Our postion: NO NO NO NO!
Proposition 3
Prohibition on Limiting Religious Services or Organizations Amendment
A YES vote supports amending the state constitution to prohibit the state or any political subdivision from enacting a law, rule, order, or proclamation that limits religious services or organizations.
A NO vote opposes amending the state constitution to prohibit the state or any political subdivision from enacting a law, rule, order, or proclamation that limits religious services or organizations.
Our position: YES!!
Proposition 4
Changes to Eligibility for Certain Judicial Offices Amendment
A YES vote supports making the following changes to eligibility requirements for a justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of criminal appeals, a justice of a court of appeals, and a district judge:
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requires candidates to be residents of Texas as well as citizens of the United States;
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requires 10 years of experience in Texas as a practicing lawyer or judge of a state or county court for candidates of the supreme court, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, or a court of appeals;
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requires 8 years of experience in Texas as a practicing lawyer or judge of a state or county court for candidates of a district court;
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disqualifies candidates if their license to practice law was revoked or suspended during experience requirement; and
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applies these requirements to individuals elected or appointed to a term beginning after January 1, 2025.
A NO vote opposes this amendment to make changes to the eligibility requirements for candidates running for the following judicial offices: a justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of criminal appeals, a justice of a court of appeals, and a district judge.
Our position: YES!!
Proposition 5
State Commission on Judicial Conduct Authority Over Candidates for Judicial Office Amendment
A YES vote supports adding a section to the state constitution that authorizes the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to investigate and discipline candidates seeking state judicial office in the same manner as judicial officeholders.
A NO vote opposes adding a section to the state constitution that authorizes the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to investigate and discipline candidates seeking state judicial office in the same manner as judicial officeholders.
Our position: No