Greetings,

We are less than two weeks away from the Constitutional Amendment Election. Although Election Day is November 7th, Monday marked the first day of early voting. Although no candidates will be on the upcoming ballot, you will have the opportunity to weigh in on the following seven constitutional amendments that the Texas Legislature proposed during the 2017 legislative session (courtesy of Texas Tribune):
 
Proposition 1: Property Tax Breaks for Veterans or their Surviving Spouse (HJR 21)
 
Ballot Language: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization for less than the market value of the residence homestead and harmonizing certain related provisions of the Texas Constitution.”
 
What it means: It would authorize property tax exemptions for certain partially disabled veterans or their surviving spouses — those whose homes were donated to them by charity for less than market value.

This legislation passed the House unanimously (143-0)

 
Proposition 2: Addressing Texas' Home Equity Loan Laws (SJR 60)
 
Ballot Language: “The constitutional amendment to establish a lower amount for expenses that can be charged to a borrower and removing certain financing expense limitations for a home equity loan, establishing certain authorized lenders to make a home equity loan, changing certain options for the refinancing for home equity loans, changing the threshold for an advance of a home equity line of credit, and allowing home equity loans on agricultural homesteads.”
 
What it means: This would ease restrictions on borrowing against home equity in Texas and allow Texans easier access to their equity. The proposition also lowers the maximum fees that can be charged in connection with home equity loans but also exempts certain charges from the calculation of that maximum.

                 This legislation passed the House unanimously (143-0)

 
Proposition 3: Limiting Time State Appointed Officers Can Serve After Terms Expire (SJR 34)
 
Ballot Language: “The constitutional amendment limiting the service of certain officeholders appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate after the expiration of the person’s term of office.”
    
What it means: Unsalaried appointees whose terms have ended but who have not been replaced would serve only until the next legislative session has ended.

This legislation passed the House (142-4)

 
Proposition 4: Requiring Courts to Notify AG of Constitutional Challenges to State Law (SJR 6)
 
Ballot Language: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to require a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute and authorizing the Legislature to prescribe a waiting period before the court may enter a judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.”
 
What it means: This would require courts to notify the state attorney general of any constitutional challenges to state laws.

This legislation passed the House (136-9)
*I voted against this legislation

 
Proposition 5: Expanding Charitable Raffles (HJR 100)
 
Ballot Language: “The constitutional amendment on professional sports teams' charitable foundations conducting charitable raffles.”
 
What it means: It would expand the definition of a “professional sports team,” giving more team-connected foundations the ability to hold charitable raffles.

This legislation passed the House (110-12)

 
Proposition 6: Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses of First Responders (SJR 1)
 
Ballot Language: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.”
 
What it means: This would give property tax exemptions to surviving spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty.

This legislation passed the House unanimously (147-0)

 
Proposition 7: Allowing Banks to Award Prizes to Promote Savings Accounts (HJR 37)
 
Ballot Language: “The constitutional amendment relating to legislative authority to permit credit unions and other financial institutions to award prizes by lot to promote savings.”
 
What it means: It would allow banks and other financial institutions to conduct promotional activities, such as raffles, to encourage savings.

This legislation passed the House unanimously (141-0)

Local Propositions

City of Dallas: https://goo.gl/auggw8
City of Farmers Branch: https://goo.gl/3GVpMe
Dallas County Schools: https://goo.gl/ZzfpJn
Full Sample Ballott: https://goo.gl/CYH4AQ

Early Voting Dates: October 23― November 3rd
Early Voting Locations: https://goo.gl/PR5jc1
Election Day Locations: https://goo.gl/RLkVJk
 
If you have any questions, feel free to contact my Dallas District Office at (214) 943-6081 or my Capitol Office at (512) 463-0746.

See you at the polls!