All 17 Constitutional Amendments Poised for Approval

Texas voters appeared to support all 17 constitutional amendments on Tuesday’s ballot, as each of the measures — including tax exemptions and bans, a $20 million investment into the state’s water supply, bail reform and dementia research — held strong leads late Tuesday.  With only early votes, mail-in ballots and 30 out of 600 precincts […] The post All 17 Constitutional Amendments Poised for Approval appeared first on Houston Press.

Nov 5, 2025 - 03:00
All 17 Constitutional Amendments Poised for Approval

Texas voters appeared to support all 17 constitutional amendments on Tuesday’s ballot, as each of the measures — including tax exemptions and bans, a $20 million investment into the state’s water supply, bail reform and dementia research — held strong leads late Tuesday. 

With only early votes, mail-in ballots and 30 out of 600 precincts reporting in Harris County just after 11 p.m., it appeared local voters narrowly rejected Proposition 6, which bans new taxes on security transactions, and Proposition 17, a tax exemption for property involved with border security infrastructure near the Texas-Mexico line. 

But it’s the statewide numbers that count, and political experts say constitutional amendments rarely fail.

Proposition 1 creates an endowment for 11 Texas State Technical Colleges, including one in Fort Bend County, to purchase loans and buildings. This measure supports a skilled workforce and broader career choices in the college system. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 68.79 percent approval. 

About 66.46 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 2 prohibits the establishment of a capital gains tax on assets like real estate, investments and personal property. Critics say it protects wealthy Texans and could stunt the state’s economic growth. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 68.19 percent approval. 

About 56.6 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 3 requires the denial of bail for individuals accused of violent felony offenses. The measure supports denying bail for high-risk defendants but creates a financial barrier for poor Texans, increasing the likelihood of overcrowded jails and neglect of mental health issues. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 63.66 percent approval. 

About 61.01 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 4 dedicates the first $1 billion per fiscal year of sales tax revenue exceeding $46.5 billion to the Texas Water Fund over the next 20 years. Voters supported funding to increase the Lone Star State’s water supply and repair aging infrastructure. 

Critics expressed concerns about spending mandates in the constitution and whether the funds would be allocated fairly by a three-person board appointed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 70.6 percent approval. 

About 67.23 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 5 exempts Texans from taxes on animal feed. The amendment was advertised as potential assistance for farmers and ranchers who are already dealing with rising costs. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 65.78 percent approval. 

About 52.22 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 6 bans new taxes on securities transactions and financial market operators (aimed at those who work in the stock market today or will work in the new Texas Stock Trade in Dallas). Critics said this was a tax break for the rich and would benefit only the wealthiest Texans. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 57.92 percent approval. 

About 46.2 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 7 provides a property tax exemption for spouses of veterans who died in the line of duty, if the widow or widower has not remarried. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 86.92 percent approval. 

About 84.32 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

As of late Tuesday evening, it appeared likely that all 17 constitutional amendments would be approved. Credit: April Towery

Proposition 8 bans taxes on estate and inheritance. Texas does not have estate taxes, and a ban would prevent future regulations that could level the playing field to shift the tax burden from working families to wealthy Texans.

Statewide, the measure was leading with 74.91 percent approval. 

About 63.6 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 9 is a tax exemption for up to $125,000 worth of business inventory or equipment. The measure is viewed as an incentive for small businesses that could also help the Texas economy. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 67.1 percent approval. 

About 55.88 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 10 is a temporary tax exemption for homeowners whose properties were destroyed by fire. While most property owners have home insurance, this exemption could offer extra support.

Statewide, the measure was leading with 90.18 percent approval. 

About 86.87 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 11 increases school property tax exemptions from $10,000 to $60,000 for elderly and disabled homeowners. The amendment provides support for about 2 million homeowners who are likely to be on a fixed income. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 79.55 percent approval. 

About 75.38 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 12 expands the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which investigates judicial misconduct and reviews the termination of judgeships. Approval of this measure means new members would have less power than governor-appointed residents, which critics say could politicize the judicial process. Supporters say it will promote accountability. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 64.49 percent approval. 

About 54.25 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 13 increases a school property tax exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 for all homeowners, saving an average of about $490 per year. The state will pay for an estimated $2.7 billion in revenue losses to school districts for the 2026-27 school year. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 81.78 percent approval. 

About 76.01 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 14 will establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, providing $3 billion in funding for dementia research and prevention to study brain-related conditions. Critics have said that brain research should be funded by the private sector. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 68.13 percent approval. 

About 68.24 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 15 codifies “parental rights” language in the state constitution. Critics say this could weaponize the Constitution to propagate right-wing culture wars involving LGBTQ+ families, book bans, and what’s taught in public schools. Parental rights are already outlined in federal case law. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 72.23 percent approval. 

About 63.85 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 16 adds citizenship requirements to the Constitution and is redundant because U.S. citizenship is already a requirement to register to vote in Texas. Critics say it is an inflammatory response aligned with anti-immigration policies and stokes fear about non-citizen voting. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 74.94 percent approval. 

About 69.37 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

Proposition 17 provides a tax exemption for property involved with border security infrastructure near the Texas-Mexico line. Critics say this could incentivize support for border security infrastructure and shift the tax burden onto other property owners. 

Statewide, the measure was leading with 60.86 percent approval. 

About 48.08 percent of Harris County early voters supported the measure.  

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