Early Voting begins next week for constitutional amendments

Early voting begins next week, and a number of important Constitutional Amendments are being put before you, the voters! Early voting runs from Oct. 19th–30th. Election Day is Nov. 3rd.

Four amendments supported by Americans For Prosperity:

Proposition 2 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to provide for the property taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property's value as a residence homestead, regardless of whether the property may have a higher value if it were used for other purposes.

Support – This is a property rights and taxpayer protection issue. Some Texas homeowners have seen their appraisals rise substantially, not because the value of their homes increased, but because the land was considered more valuable as a potential business site. This is key to homeowners to keep their property from being taxed at a higher rate in some urban areas where the land might be more valuable as a shopping mall or other enterprise.

Proposition 3
Proposition 3 would amend the constitution to require the legislature to provide for the administration and enforcement of uniform property appraisal standards and procedures for property taxation.

Support – This is a taxpayer protection measure. Though it opens the door further for state involvement in local property taxation, this proposed amendment would make sure that properties in different counties are appraised according to the same uniform statewide standards. It would allow appraisal standards to be enforced by direct action against appraisal districts, rather than relying on penalties against school districts. Since state funding to school districts is partially based on local property value, it's unfair to allow values to be determined differently in different counties.

Proposition 5
Proposition 5 would amend the constitution to authorize the legislature to allow for a single appraisal review board for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated reviews of tax appraisals.

Support – Many rural counties have a difficult time finding enough qualified and willing candidates to sit on their appraisal review boards. Proposition 5 would let counties join together to form consolidated appraisal review boards. Having fully qualified appraisal review boards would help ensure a more professional appraisal review process.

Proposition 11
Proposition 11 would amend the constitution to provide that the taking of private property for public use (eminent domain) is authorized only if it is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, its political subdivisions, the public at large, or by entities granted the power of eminent domain, or for the removal of urban blight. The amendment would prohibit the taking of private property for transfer to a private entity for the purpose of economic development or to increase tax revenues. The amendment would also limit the legislature's authority to grant the power of eminent domain in the future unless it is approved by a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to each house.

Support – Proposition 11 adds key protections against eminent domain abuses by stating the legitimate purposes for eminent domain in the Constitution. Passage of this amendment would also have the symbolic value as a strong message from the Legislature and voters that eminent domain must be used for very limited purposes, only when it is really needed.