Voters will consider two propositions to amend the Texas Constitution in the election on May 7. The propositions were approved for the ballot by the 87th Legislature last year. Voters will consider proposals to:
- reduce the limitation on property taxes for people who are elderly or disabled; and
- increase the residence homestead exemption from $25,000 to $40,000.
The Texas Legislature proposes amendments to the state constitution in joint resolutions, which must be approved by at least a two-thirds vote of the membership of each house. A joint resolution includes the ballot wording of the proposed amendment and a specific election date. The Texas secretary of state conducted a random drawing to assign a number to each proposition for the May election. Constitutional amendments take effect when the official vote canvass confirms statewide majority approval unless a later date is specified. Some amendments are self-enacting, and others required the Legislature to enact “enabling” legislation. If voters reject an amendment, the enabling legislation dependent on it does not take effect.
More information about the proposed amendments for the upcoming election, including ballot language and an analysis of each measure, can be found in the HRO’s focus report, Proposed constitutional amendments for the May 2022 ballot.
By Matt Lowe
Interim News Briefs 