VOTING LOCATIONS
- Axtell ISD Administration Building, 1100 Longhorn Parkway, Axtell, TX 76624
- Baylor Hurd Welcome Center, 905 S. University Parks Drive, Waco, TX 76706
- Bellmead Civic Center, 3900 Parrish Street, Waco, TX 76705
- Beverly Hills City Hall, 3418 Memorial Drive, Beverly Hills, TX 76705
- Bruceville-Eddy ISD Special Events Center, 1 Eagle Drive, Eddy, TX 76630
- Carver Park Baptist Church, 1020 E. Herring Avenue, Waco, TX 76704
- Central United Methodist Church, 5740 Bagby Avenue, Waco, TX 76712
- Cesar Chavez Middle School, 700 S 15th Street, Waco, TX 76706
- Chalk Bluff Baptist Church, 5993 Gholson Road, Waco, TX 76705
- China Spring ISD Administration Building, 12166 Yankie Road, Waco, TX 76643
- Crawford First United Methodist Church, 375 W. 6th Street, Crawford, TX 76638
- Dewey Community Center, 925 N 9th Street, Waco, TX 76707
- Elm Mott Water, 314 Elm Mott Drive, Elm Mott, TX 76640
- Fellowship Bible Church, 5200 Speegleville Road, McGregor, TX 76657
- First Assembly of God Church, 6701 Bosque Boulevard, Waco, TX 76710
- Gholson First Baptist Church, 228 Wildcat Drive, Waco, TX 76705
- H.G. Isbill Junior High School, 305 S. Van Buren Street, McGregor, TX 76657
- Heart of Texas Council of Governments, 1514 S. New Road, Waco, TX 76710
- Hewitt City Hall/Library, 200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, TX 76643
- Hewitt First Baptist Church, 301 S 1st Street, Hewitt, TX 76643
- Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 1624 Wooded Acres Drive, Waco, TX 76710
- La Vega ISD Administration Building, 400 E. Loop 340, Waco, TX 76705
- Lacy Lakeview Civic Center, 505 E Craven Avenue, Waco, TX 76705
- Lake Shore United Methodist Church, 3311 Park Lake Drive, Waco, TX 76708
- Lorena First Baptist Church, 307 E Center Street, Lorena, TX 76655
- Mart ISD Administration Building, 1100 JL Davis Avenue, Mart, TX 76664
- MCC Conference Center, 4601 N. 19th Street, Waco, TX 76708
- Midway ISD Information Technology Center, 109 Panther Way, Hewitt, TX 76643
- Moody First United Methodist Church, 500 6th Street, Moody, TX 76557
- Riesel ISD Urbantke Gymnasium, 702 E. Frederick Street, Riesel, TX 76682
- Robinson Community Center, 106 W Lyndale Avenue, Robinson, TX 76706
- South Waco Community Center, 2815 Speight Avenue, Waco, TX 76710
- South Waco Library, 2737 S. 18th Street, Waco, TX 76706
- Speegleville Baptist Church, 469 Speegle Road, Waco, TX 76712
- St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 305 N. 30th Street, Waco, TX 76710
- St. Louis Activity Center, 2415 Cumberland Avenue, Waco, TX 76707
- The Venue at First Woodway Baptist Church, 110 Ritchie Road, Waco, TX 76712
- TSTC Student Recreation Center, 2025 Campus Drive, Waco, TX 76705
- University High School, 3201 S. New Road, Waco, TX 76706
- Unwavering Faith Christian Church, 262 Illinois Avenue, China Spring, TX 76705
- Valley Mills ISD Administration Board Room, 1 Eagle Way, Waco, TX 76701
- Waco 25th Street Fire Station, 1006 N. 25th Street, Waco, TX 76707
- Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
- Waco Multi-Purpose Community Center, 1020 Elm Avenue, Waco, TX 76704
- West Community Center, 200 Tokio Road, West, TX 76691
- Woodway City Hall, 922 Estates Drive, Waco, TX 76712
Today is election day, where you decide if the Texas Constitution needs adjustments in order to better serve the public, but there are also many local elections happening in McLennan county.
LOCAL ELECTIONS
Local elections are just as important as statewide elections, they impact our day to day lives in the cities we live in. So let's talk about what's on the ballot for cities in McLennan county.
The city of Robinson is holding a general election to vote for three new city council members, the candidates are Jimmy Rogers for Place 1, Jim MasterGeorge V. Charlie Burch for Place 2, and Brittany McLean for Place 5.
Robinson ISD is also asking voters to elect three new members to their board of trustees. The candidates are Alicia Williams for Place 5, Colby Witt, Jabo Rubin, and Jon Richards for Place 6, and Keith Helpert for Place 7.
Midway ISD is asking the public to vote on whether or not to approve a nine-cent tax rate in order to better fund Midway public schools.
Mart ISD is holding a special election to vote on three propositions. In total, the district is asking for $50,000,000 worth of bonds for school security and construction, which would result in a property tax increase.
Moody ISD will also be having a special election to vote on proposition A, which is asking the public to approve the issuance of $12,000,000 worth of bonds for the improvement of public schools, which would increase property taxes.
The city of West is holding a mayoral election, the two candidates are Joe Pustejovsky and David Pratka. Both of whom are on the West city council currently.
The people of West will also be voting for a new city council member, the candidates are Crystal Middleton-Anthony, Mike Jones, Matthew Nemec, Chris Nors, Cody L. Harris, Laura A. Pavlicek, and Amanda Zahirniak.
The city of Riesel will be voting in a new city council member as well in a General Election, the candidates are Jeanne Lehrmann, Ralph May, Kooper Sjolander, Paul Winkler and Bobby Dieterich.
The city of Bruceville-Eddy is also having a General Election where they will be voting in a new mayor, with the only candidate being Linda Owens, and a new city council member, the candidates are Richard Prater, Rick Edmiston and Joyce McGlothlin.
The people of Bruceville-Eddy will also be voting on whether or not to approve a tax rate increase that would allow the city to undertake major city development. Including expanding businesses, improvement of public facilities, and the construction of entertainment facilities like museums, stadiums, etc.
Remember to make your way to the polls before 7PM today, to vote and make your voice heard.
STATE PROPOSITIONS
Proposition Number 1 (HJR 126) “The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management.”
“HJR 126 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect a person’s right to engage in generally accepted farm, ranch, timber production, horticulture, or wildlife management practices on real property that the person owns or leases. The proposed amendment would not affect the authority of the legislature to authorize the regulation of these practices by:
(1) a state agency or political subdivision as necessary to protect the public health and safety from imminent danger;
(2) a state agency to prevent a danger to animal health or crop production; or (3) a state agency or political subdivision to preserve or conserve the natural resources of the state under the Texas Constitution. Additionally, the proposed amendment would not affect the legislature’s authority to authorize the use or acquisition of property for a public use, including the development of natural resources under the Texas Constitution.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: This amendment would protect farming and ranching practices from certain government regulation. It would require state and local governments to provide evidence that government regulation is needed in order to protect the public from danger. For example, a city may require a farm to have a fence in place for livestock, but it may not ban the practice of farming altogether without evidence of it posing a serious danger to the public.
Proposition Number 2 (SJR 64) “The constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.”
“SJR 64 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the governing body of a county or municipality to exempt from property taxation all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility. The proposed amendment would authorize the governing body to adopt the exemption as a percentage of the appraised value of the property, but that percentage could not be less than 50% of the appraised value of the property. The proposed amendment also would allow the legislature to define the term “child-care facility” and to establish additional eligibility requirements to receive the property tax exemption.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: This amendment would allow cities and counties to exempt child care providers from property taxes. The value of the exemption would need to be at least 50 percent of the property's appraised value.
Proposition Number 3 (HJR 132) “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual wealth or net worth tax, including a tax on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.”
“HJR 132 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing a tax based on the wealth or net worth of an individual or family. The proposed amendment also would prohibit the legislature from imposing a tax based on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: Many states have introduced “wealth taxes,” which refers to a tax on a person based on the market value of the assets they own. This includes property and retirement accounts. It would not include taxation on debts or liabilities. Texas currently does not have a “wealth tax.” This amendment would require lawmakers to ask for voter authorization before they would be able to implement new state taxes on residents. Supporters of this amendment say it would minimally impact the extremely wealthy while funding costly programs and lowering the burden of low income individuals. Critics say it will discourage business, and overall wealth would decline.
Proposition Number 4 (HJR 2) “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the board of directors of certain appraisal districts.”
“HJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to modify certain provisions of the Texas Constitution related to property taxes. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to temporarily limit the maximum appraised value of real property for property tax purposes in a tax year. The proposed amendment also would increase the mandatory homestead exemption for school district property taxation from $40,000 to $100,000. The proposed amendment would require the legislature to provide for a reduction in the amount of the limitation on school district
property taxes imposed on the residence homestead of the elderly or disabled. Additionally, the amendment would exempt appropriations not dedicated by the Texas Constitution and used for property tax relief from being considered as appropriations when determining whether the rate of growth of appropriations in a biennium has exceeded the constitutional tax spending limit.
The proposed amendment would further authorize the legislature to provide that members serving on an appraisal board in a county with a population of at least 75,000 serve terms not to exceed four years.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: Texas lawmakers have approved a $12.7 billion package of property tax cuts, but it needs voter approval in order to take effect.
This plan will allocate $7.1 billion to school districts, reducing the property taxes they impose on homeowners. It will also increase the homestead exemption for the state's school districts from $40,000 to $100,000, which will cost $5.6 billion.
Additionally, the plan will introduce some other tax changes. For certain types of properties valued at less than $5 million and not eligible for the homestead exemption, there will be a temporary cap on how much their taxable value can increase. If voters say yes, these properties can only see a maximum 20% increase in taxable value each year for the next three years. This cap would end in 2026, unless lawmakers and voters decide to keep it.
The plan also broadens the list of businesses that won't have to pay the state's franchise tax. Plus, it gives voters the power to choose three members for their local appraisal district's board of directors, a role currently appointed by others.
Proposition Number 5 (HJR 3) “The constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.”
“HJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to redesignate the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund (TUF), and to appropriate funds from the economic stabilization fund to the TUF. The proposed amendment would appropriate to the TUF an amount equal to the interest income, dividends, and investment earnings attributable to the economic stabilization fund for the preceding state fiscal year. The appropriation amount could not exceed $100 million for the state fiscal year beginning September 1, 2023, or an amount adjusted for the increase in the general price index, not to exceed two percent, in subsequent state fiscal years.
The proposed amendment also would prohibit any state university that is entitled to participate in dedicated funding provided by Article VII, Section 18 of the Texas Constitution from receiving money from the TUF.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: If this amendment is approved, it will result in a name change for the National Research University Fund, which will be known as the Texas University Fund. This newly named fund will receive the annual interest income, dividends, and investment earnings from Texas' rainy day fund, also referred to as the Economic Stabilization Fund, to support research activities at state universities.
In the 2024 fiscal year, the Texas University Fund will have an initial cap of $100 million. This amount can be adjusted for inflation, but its growth rate is limited to a maximum of 2%. It's worth noting that the Texas A&M and University of Texas systems won't be recipients of funds from this account since they already receive research funds from a separate fund known as the Permanent University Fund.
If this amendment is passed, House Bill 1595 will also come into effect. This bill will mandate the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to determine which universities are eligible to receive funding and specify the amount of money each eligible institution will receive. The management of the fund will be the responsibility of the comptroller and the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company.
Proposition Number 6 (SJR 75) “The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state.”
“SJR 75 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Texas water fund. The Texas water fund would be a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) or its successor to assist in financing water projects in the state. The proposed amendment would direct the Texas water fund administrator to use the fund only to transfer money to other TWDB funds or accounts.
The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to appropriate money for deposit to the water fund to be available for permitted transfers. No further legislative appropriation would be required for the water fund administrator to transfer money from or restore money to the fund, including the transfer of money to or the restoration of money from certain designated TWDB funds and accounts.
The water fund would consist of: (1) money transferred or deposited to the fund by general law; (2) other revenue that the legislature by statute dedicates for deposit to the fund;
(3) investment earnings and interest earned on amounts credited to the fund; (4) money from gifts, grants, and donations to the fund; and (5) money returned from any authorized transfer.
The proposed amendment would require the legislature, by general law, to provide for the manner in which money from the Texas water fund may be used. The proposed amendment also would require that at least 25% of the money initially appropriated to the Texas water fund be transferred to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: If this resolution passes, a brand new special fund will be established in the state treasury, separate from the general revenue fund. It will start with a hefty $1 billion initial deposit. The Texas Water Development Board will be in charge of running this fund, and its purpose is to back a variety of projects. These projects will involve fixing the aging and deteriorating water pipes in Texas, acquiring more sources of water, and reducing water wastage.
A part of the fund will be allocated for water infrastructure projects in rural areas, as well as initiatives aimed at conserving water and minimizing water loss. Notably, at least 25% of the fund will be dedicated to the New Water Supply Fund for Texas. This sub-fund will finance projects designed to increase the state's water supply, such as marine desalination and treating "produced water" that emerges during the oil fracking process.
The establishment of this new fund, if approved, is slated for January 1, 2024.
Proposition Number 7 (SJR 93) “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities.”
“SJR 93 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas energy fund. The Texas energy fund would be a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) or its successor. Money in the Texas energy fund could be used, without further appropriation, only by PUC or its successor to provide loans and grants to finance or incentivize the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities necessary to ensure the reliability or adequacy of an electric power grid in the state. The proposed amendment would require PUC to allocate money from the fund for loans and grants to eligible projects for electric generating facilities that serve as backup power sources and in each region of the state that is part of an electric power grid in proportion to that region’s load share. The Texas energy fund would consist of: (1) money credited, appropriated, or transferred to the fund by or as authorized by the legislature; (2) revenue that the legislature dedicates for deposit to the fund; (3) the returns received from the investment of the money in the fund; and (4) gifts, grants, and donations contributed to the fund.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: This amendment would establish a state fund designed to provide loans and grants to companies. The primary objective of this fund is to encourage the construction of new natural gas-fueled power plants. This support would involve offering a 3% interest loan for building new gas-fueled power plants or upgrading existing ones connected to the state's primary electrical grid. Furthermore, a bonus will be provided to incentivize the completion of new power plants by June 2029.
The Legislature has allocated $5 billion to sustain these initiatives over the next two years. Proponents argue that there is a need for more gas-fueled power sources because they can operate at any time, unlike wind and solar power, which depend on favorable weather conditions. However, it's important to note that gas-fueled power plants are not always completely reliable and also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, a key driver of climate change.
Proposition Number 8 (HJR 125) “The constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects.”
“HJR 125 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the broadband infrastructure fund. The broadband infrastructure fund would be a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (Comptroller). Money from the fund could be used, without further appropriation, only for the expansion of access to and adoption of broadband and telecommunications services. The broadband infrastructure fund would consist of: (1) money transferred or deposited to the fund by the Texas Constitution, general law, or the General Appropriations Act; (2) revenue that the legislature by general law dedicates for deposit to the fund; (3) investment earnings and interest earned on money in the fund; and (4) gifts, grants, and donations to the fund.
The proposed amendment would authorize the Comptroller to transfer money from the broadband infrastructure fund to another fund as provided by general law, and the state agency that administers the fund to which any money is transferred could use the money without further appropriation only for the expansion of access to and adoption of broadband and telecommunications services.
The broadband infrastructure fund would expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended by adoption of a joint resolution of the legislature. Immediately before the expiration of the fund, the Comptroller would be required to transfer any unexpended and unobligated balance remaining in the broadband infrastructure fund to the general revenue fund.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: If passed, this amendment to establish a broadband infrastructure fund. This fund would be a distinct account within the state treasury, separate from the general revenue fund, and it would be managed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The funds in this account would be specifically earmarked for the purpose of expanding access to and adoption of broadband and telecommunications services, and they could be used for this purpose without the need for further approval.
The broadband infrastructure fund would be funded by several sources, including money allocated through the Texas Constitution, general laws, or the General Appropriations Act. Additionally, revenue designated by the legislature through general laws, as well as interest and investment earnings on the fund's money, would contribute to it. Gifts, grants, and donations could also bolster the fund.
This proposed amendment would grant authority to the Comptroller to transfer funds from the broadband infrastructure fund to another fund, as outlined in general laws. The state agency responsible for the recipient fund could then utilize the money for expanding broadband and telecommunications services, again without needing additional approval.
The broadband infrastructure fund is set to expire on September 1, 2035, unless the legislature agrees to extend it via a joint resolution. In the event of the fund's expiration, any remaining unused and uncommitted balance in the broadband infrastructure fund would be transferred by the Comptroller to the general revenue fund.
Proposition Number 9 (HJR 2) “The constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.”
“HJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide a cost-of- living adjustment to eligible annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). The proposed amendment also would authorize the legislature to appropriate money from the general revenue fund to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to pay the cost-of-living Adjustment.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: In the regular legislative session, lawmakers approved Senate Bill 10, which aims to grant cost-of-living increases to the monthly pension payments of retired Texas teachers. This adjustment holds particular significance because, for some retirees, it marks the first increase in nearly two decades.
To finance these raises, lawmakers seek voter approval for a transfer of $3.3 billion from the general revenue fund to the retired teachers fund. This transfer is necessary to fund the pension increases and provide financial relief to retired educators.
Proposition Number 10 (SJR 87) “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen our medical supply chain.”
“SJR 87 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to exempt from property taxation tangible personal property held by a medical or biomedical manufacturer as a finished good or used in the manufacturing or processing of medical or biomedical products.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State.
What it means: Currently, school districts, cities, and counties have the authority to levy property taxes on the value of equipment and inventory owned by manufacturers of medical or biomedical products, which includes items like pharmaceuticals, personal protective equipment, and medical devices.
This proposed amendment seeks to change that by excluding these items from a facility's total property value, potentially reducing their tax burden. However, this exemption is estimated to cost school districts approximately $207 million in revenue over the next five years, according to financial analysis.
Supporters of the exemption argue that it will attract more manufacturers in the medical industry to set up shop in Texas, thereby reducing healthcare costs and fortifying the medical supply chain. Opponents contend that school districts are already facing financial constraints and believe that the same goals can be achieved without reducing their revenue. They also point out that the amendment doesn't prevent taxing entities from raising tax rates to compensate for the revenue loss.
Proposition Number 11 (SJR 32) “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.”
“SJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the authority of the legislature with regard to conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County. The Texas Constitution permits conservation and reclamation districts in certain counties across the state to issue bonds to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities but does not currently provide this authority to El Paso County. The proposed amendment would add conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to those districts currently allowed, if authorized by general law, to issue bonds supported by property taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. The proposed amendment would not limit the powers of the legislature or of a conservation and reclamation district with respect to parks and recreational facilities as those powers currently exist.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: SJR 32 puts forth a constitutional amendment aimed at broadening the legislative authority concerning conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County. The current Texas Constitution permits such districts in specific counties to issue bonds for the creation and upkeep of parks and recreational facilities. However, this authority is not presently extended to El Paso County.
The proposed amendment seeks to rectify this by granting conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County the ability to issue bonds supported by property taxes for the purpose of funding the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. It's important to note that this amendment doesn't curtail the existing powers of the legislature or any conservation and reclamation district with regards to parks and recreational facilities. It merely expands the authority for these types of projects in El Paso County, in line with those already granted in other counties.
Proposition Number 12 (HJR 134) “The constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of county treasurer in Galveston County.”
“HJR 134 proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish the office of County Treasurer in Galveston County. The amendment would authorize the Galveston County Commissioners Court to employ or contract with a qualified person or designate another county officer to perform any functions that would have been performed by the County Treasurer. The proposed amendment would take effect only if a majority of the voters of Galveston County voting on the proposition favor the amendment.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: HJR 134 suggests a constitutional amendment to eliminate the role of County Treasurer in Galveston County. If this amendment is approved, it would grant the Galveston County Commissioners Court the authority to hire or contract with a qualified individual or assign the duties to another county officer to carry out the functions that were traditionally handled by the County Treasurer.
Importantly, this proposed amendment will only become effective if a majority of the voters in Galveston County who participate in the vote on this issue approve the change.
Proposition Number 13 (HJR 107) “The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges.”
“HJR 107 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory retirement age for state justices and judges. Currently, the Texas Constitution establishes that justices and judges of the appellate courts, district courts, and criminal district courts must retire on the expiration of the term during which they reach the age of 75 years or an earlier age, not less than 70 years, as the legislature may prescribe. The proposed amendment would change the mandatory retirement age for justices and judges of the appellate courts, district courts, and criminal district courts to 79 years or an earlier age, not less than 75 years, as the legislature may prescribe. The proposed amendment also would remove the provision stating that justices and judges may only serve until December 31 of their fourth year in office if they reach the age of 75 years in the first four years of a six-year term.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: HJR 107 aims to increase the age at which state justices and judges must retire. Currently, the Texas Constitution dictates that justices and judges in appellate courts, district courts, and criminal district courts must step down at the conclusion of the term in which they turn 75 years old or an earlier age determined by the legislature, but not less than 70 years.
The proposed amendment seeks to modify this by raising the mandatory retirement age for these justices and judges to 79 years or an earlier age set by the legislature, but not below 75 years. Additionally, the amendment removes the provision that limits the service of justices and judges who reach the age of 75 in the first four years of a six-year term to December 31 of their fourth year in office.
Proposition Number 14 (SJR 74) “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks.”
“SJR 74 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the centennial parks conservation fund as a trust fund outside the state treasury. The fund could be used, in accordance with general law, only for the creation and improvement of state parks. The centennial parks conservation fund would consist of: (1) money appropriated, credited, or transferred to the fund by the legislature; (2) gifts, grants, and donations received by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) or its successor for a purpose for which money in the fund may be used; and (3) investment earnings and interest earned on amounts credited to the fund. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to appropriate money from the centennial parks conservation fund to TPWD or its successor for the creation and improvement of state parks.” -The Office of the Texas Secretary of State
What it means: SJR 74 would establish the centennial parks conservation fund as a separate trust fund, distinct from the state treasury. This fund would have a specific purpose, which is the enhancement and development of state parks, in compliance with general laws.
The centennial parks conservation fund would be comprised of several sources of funding: (1) money allocated, credited, or moved into the fund by the legislature; (2) donations, gifts, and grants received by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) or any future entity responsible for the same purpose as the fund; and (3) earnings from investments and interest gained on the amounts deposited into the fund.
This proposed amendment would grant the legislature the authority to allocate funds from the centennial parks conservation fund to TPWD or its successor, for the explicit purpose of creating and enhancing state parks.
