Full Story, by Emma Williams In municipal and general elections, propositions can be used to pass local bonds and decide proposed state constitutional amendments, but that is not the case on the primary ballots. But in 2019 the Texas Legislature passed a bill allocating money to buy down school property taxes. 6.) Meteorologist Lena Maria gives us a look at what we can expect as we gear up for the opening weekend of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo! <>/ExtGState<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> All of this, despite the fact that Texans all across the state are having to choose between their own livelihoods and receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, mandated by employers as they await clarity between federal government mandates stuck in judicial limbo even though other state legislatures are addressing the issue head-on. Proposition 8 allows voters to decide whether surviving spouses of armed service members will be exempted from all or part of property taxes on homesteads, provided they were age 55 or older when their partner died. Texas elected Supreme Court: What to know before voting for justices, What to know before voting for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judges, What you need to know about the county and school district seats on your Nov. 8 ballot, Abortion rights supporters struggle to keep issue top of mind for Texas voters. The second state proposition on the ballot, if passed, would lower school district property taxes by instead increasing the homestead exemption. Copyright 2023 Katy Area Economic Development Council. February 16, 2022 | Austin, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation setting Saturday, May 7, 2022 as the special election day for two proposed constitutional amendments in Texas. The issue has been on the mind of many across Texas after recent tax appraisals gave many homeowners sticker shock.. By: Rynd Morgan - Community Impact New census data shows the Asian population in Fort Bend County and in Katy has significantly increased in the past decade. 2020 Ballot Propositions: 1.) Legislation was filed to eliminate the property tax over time, but it was never seriously considered by the legislature itself and in the third-called special legislative session negotiations between lawmakers broke down and they ultimately only passed legislation increasing the amount of the homestead exemption providing for about $175 in relief per year as opposed to lasting tax relief to ease the burden over time. Of the 10 ballot measures, only one was rejected by voters, reported Mark Lee Dickson, founder of the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn Initiative, at Live Action News . It would require 10 years of service as a practicing lawyer or a combined 10 years of service in legal practice and as a judge of a state or county court. One of the issues that the legislature attempted to address in the 87th regular legislative session was that of banning Critical Race Theory. Got a tip? That's not the case for the 2022 primary in Nueces County, leaving some . Full Story, by Texas Tribune Staff Texas should protect the integrity of our elections by verifying that registered voters are American citizens, restoring felony penalties and enacting civil penalties for vote fraud, and fighting any federal takeover of state elections. Proposition 2 would cost the state almost $1.6 billion. This year there werent any ballot propositions in the Democratic primary. SONGS: Singer, songwriter makes new song inspired by FOX 26 news report about goats at Target, Man charged in shooting death of Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso ordered held without bond, Mother who drowned her 2 children, hid bodies under a neighbor's home given 40-year prison sentence, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Watch: Fishermen spot sharks in huge feeding frenzy off Louisiana coast, Mother arrested after 4-year-old found outside alone, 1-year-old found laying in soiled linen, 6-YEAR-OLD SHOT IN HARRIS COUNTY: Suspect in custody after apparent fight between middle school girls after class, Here's how to get tickets, passes for Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo 2023, Full Interview with Rodeo Headliner, Parker McCollum. Pol. Voters will find eight propositions to amend the state constitution on the Nov. 2 ballot. Both initiatives, if passed, would amend the Texas Constitution in a way that economists say could help slow down property tax increases. We hope to achieve that in five ways. Texas should ban chemical castration, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and genital mutilation surgery on all minor children for sex transition purposes. Full Story, by Mara Mndez, Marissa Greene, Alex Nguyen and Emma Williams A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your home. Texas should limit our state legislators terms to 12 years. Each is a proposed amendment to the Texas . Republican voters will have the option to vote in favor or in opposition to the following ballot propositions: Border Security Eliminate Property Tax Vaccine Mandate Parents' Rights and Critical Race Theory Right to Life Committee Chairs Election Integrity Gender Modification Parental Educational Relief Freedom of Conscience Of State, 1/26/22. Tell us what questions you have, and what this election cycle means to you. Full Story, by Mara Mndez But since 2020, the scrutiny elections administrators face has grown even in small Republican-controlled counties that former President Donald Trump carried. Proposition 1: rodeo raffles. The Democratic Party of Texas had propositions on its 2020 primary, but it does not have propositions on this years ballot. A general law enacted under this subsection may take into account the difference between the tier one maintenance and operations rate for the 2018 tax year and the maximum compressed rate for the 2019 tax year applicable to a residence homestead and any reductions in subsequent tax years before the tax year in which the general law takes effect in the maximum compressed rate applicable to a residence homestead. AUSTIN GOP primary voters in Texas approved all 10 proposals the state Republican Party placed on the March 1 ballot. Rottinghaus said this proposition also stemmed from COVID-19 mitigation measures affecting some care facilities. (c) This temporary provision expires January 1, 2023. Proposition 1: rodeo raffles Instead of a simple majority vote of more than 50% in Congress, it would require a constitutional amendment to allow a state income tax. What is it asking? Texas is the new frontier where dreams, families, and jobs grow. What is it asking? Much of the money that was appropriated will purportedly be spent on things like a border barrier ranging from a physical wall to razor wire and chain-link fences, as the terrain and private landowners along the border allow. For more information on polling locations and sample ballots, go tohttps://www.harrisvotes.com/. Texans should not lose their job nor students be penalized for declining a COVID-19 vaccine.. Full Story, by Mara Mndez and Yuriko Schumacher Oct. 22, 2022, The nine-member Texas Supreme Court has the power to make sweeping decisions that interpret the meaning of the states constitution, impacting the lives of Texans across the state. Previously, she interned at the Wall Street Journal, Texas Tribune, NBC News in Washington and the Houston Chronicles Austin bureau. This will determine whether surviving spouses of disabled people can receive limitations on the amount of property taxes they pay on their homesteads, provided they were age 55 or older when their partner died. 5.) Sept. 15, 2022, The high number of contests contributes to the states low voter turnout but its not the only reason. Notably, the election integrity legislation passed this year weakened the penalties for illegally voting, from a felony to a misdemeanor. The first statewide proposal concerns property taxes paid by the elderly and people with disabilities. Nov. 8, 2022, Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. So, for example, with the current exemption, a homeowner with a property valued at $500,000 would be paying taxes on $475,000. At that time, many people didnt even know this was taking place in Texas so it served to educate voters. 4 0 obj Full Story, by Emma Williams C*Hs;-jZ ]t6O $#,|O|V%Nu[M& All rights reserved. Texans affirm that our freedoms come from God and that the government should have no control over the conscience of individuals. Senate Joint Resolution 47 But even across every major metro in Texas where we can track valuations, were seeing them increase quite rapidly.. In addition to this exemption, the legislature by general law may exempt an amount not to exceed $10,000 of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is disabled as defined in Subsection (b) of this section and of a person 65 years of age or older from ad valorem taxation for general elementary and secondary public school purposes. Hopefully that would produce some savings that the average person can use to offset the rising level of cost of living increase, Quintero said. 'iyoB@V374x(b:|vXW9\6w Each party can put propositions on the primary ballot, and has done so often in the past. In October, the National School Board Association called protesting parents domestic terrorists prompting a flurry of backlash from citizens and lawmakers to the Texas Association of School Boards. Rottinghaus said this measure likely stems from COVID-19 mitigation efforts in 2020, when in-person religious services were limited in parts of Texas, such as Harris and Fort Bend counties. 1.) How Texas counts ballots and keeps elections secure, LGBTQ Texans voting with marriage, worker protections and trans rights in mind, No, Texas voting machines arent switching your votes. Here's what you need to know. This is what you'll see under proposition 2 on your ballot: "The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school. Though legislation addressing the issue was eventually passed, it did so in an incomplete way. Yes - 88.61%. Copyright 2015-2023, All rights reserved. 5.) Texas continues to shine as the beacon of economic prosperity in America, and I am proud to accept Site Selections Governors Cup for a record-shattering tenth straight year. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held May 7, 2022. <>/Metadata 83 0 R/ViewerPreferences 84 0 R>> Here are answers to five common questions about the constitutional amendments and what they would actually do. Oct. 4, 2022, Running elections in Texas has never been easy. Currently, animals are considered property so they can be auctioned, donated, or destroyed. Become one. How do I register to vote in the first place? 2023 FOX Television Stations, ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING: Man shot in apparent accidental shooting in Houston, police investigating, CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Houston homeowner speaks out after being victim of terrifying attempted carjacking, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' Actor, Dies at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, G.O.A.T. Ahead of the 2022 Texas midterms, The Texas Tribune is answering reader questions about the candidates running for office, the offices themselves and the issues Texans are voting on this election cycle. At the outset of the 87th regular legislative session in January, Republican State Rep. Bryan Slaton (Royse City) offered amendments to the proposed House Rules of Procedure that would have required that standing House Committees be led by the majority political party. As Texas home values skyrocket, state officials wrestle with how to slow property tax increases, Congress to probe election misinformation in Texas. Local experts said this is driven by new construction in the area, desirable school districts and a growing number of businesse By: Rynd Morgan - Community Impact The city of Katy approved its $34.5 million budget at a Sept. 27 City Council meeting. Tell us what questions you have, and what this election cycle means to you. by Mara Mndez This proposition will decide if state or local governments can limit religious services. Oct. 22, 2022, Texans will vote on three seats for the states highest criminal court in November. Ten propositions are typically listed on the ballots to serve as a survey to help each party determine its priorities. by Mara Mndez Meanwhile, the Texas GOP has campaigned for a fourth special session to address the issue and the list of lawmakers who have also publicly announced their support for such a thing has steadily grown. Heres how to vote in Texas Nov. 8 midterm elections, What you can expect from our elections coverage. The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors. Senate Joint Resolution 27 Texas should enact a State Constitutional Amendment to defend the sanctity of innocent human life, created in the image of God, from fertilization until natural death. These ballot propositions will be listed on the ballot alongside candidates for elected office ranging from Texas' U.S. Congressional seats to statewide office, as well as the state Senate and State House of Representatives, State Board of Education, and county elected positions. 3 0 obj In this election, you will notice two state propositions on the ballot that could impact homeowners if passed. 0 comment admin previous post JoDee Meil Wilson next post Three seats are on the ballot this year. Proposition A asks voters whether they want to decriminalize marijuana (officially) and to ban police use of "no-knock" warrants. Full Story, by Mara Mndez Perhaps the most controversial legislation that was deliberated over the past year by the state legislature was legislation relating to election integrity, which took varying forms before ultimately being passed in the second-called special legislative session. Weve seen rapid price appreciation in all of our metros, Austin, of course, being the leading area, Adam Perdue, a research economist with the Texas Real Estate Research Center at the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University, said in a recent conversation with Texas Standard. This proposed constitutional amendment shall be submitted to the voters at an election to be held May 7, 2022. endobj <> B_]-baUuCeT! %PDF-1.7 I also will prioritize protecting our groundwater from developers who will drain it dry, protecting our Texas grid, and implementing the priorities of the Republican Party of Texas. . For voters concerned about the impact these propositions might have on school districts, Lavine said schools wont be affected. Early voting ran from Monday, Oct. 24, to Friday, Nov. 4. 28: Reliever Marc Church might have best slider in the system, Why Rangers cautious approach with pitchers in spring training could still be risky. Texas parents and guardians should have the right to select schools, whether public or private, for their children, and the funding should follow the student. Section 1-b, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, is amended by adding Subsection (d-2) to read as follows: (d-2) Notwithstanding Subsections (d) and (d-1) of this section, the legislature by general law may provide for the reduction of the amount of a limitation provided by Subsection (d) of this section and applicable to a residence homestead for a tax year to reflect any statutory reduction from the preceding tax year in the maximum compressed rate, as defined by general law, or a successor rate of the maintenance and operations taxes imposed for general elementary and secondary public school purposes on the homestead. The annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is no fun and games if you don't have a ticket. Its probably worth thinking about it before you go in there [to vote], so you dont spend half a day staring at the election machines.. House Joint Resolution 165 By, A service of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, Hundreds of volunteers will fan out on San Marcos waterways Saturday to clean up trash, UTEP hosting Borderland Chopin Festival honoring a poet of the piano, Hoping to retain staff, Austin gives police officers a 4% raise, Detrs del proceso 'desordenado' para elegir al prximo responsable del metro ligero de Austin, Can't get enough of elections? Katy area, Fort Bend County see notable increase in Asian population, data shows, Katy City Council approves $34.5 million budget, maintains same property tax rate. Comptroller, railroad commissioner, lieutenant governor: What do Texas state officials actually do? Republican elected officials have held every statewide office and a majority in the Texas Legislature for almost two decades, and yet despite this reality and promises to the contrary, the property tax burden on Texans has exponentially increased. Early voting for the May 7 election is underway now and runs through Tuesday, May 3. These homeowners would essentially receive a reduction in school district property taxes. The legislature by general law may base the amount of and condition eligibility for the additional exemption authorized by this subsection for disabled persons and for persons 65 years of age or older on economic need. In an interview last week, Abbott continued to point his finger at other officials when he was asked why child mutilation is still legal in Texas. Proposition 2 ( SJR 2 - 87th Legislature, 3rd Special Session) "The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $25,000 to $40,000." The explanatory statements for each proposed amendment are below: Proposition Number 1 This Nov. 2 election, Texans have the chance to vote on eight amendments to the state constitution. Texas Proposition 9 would allow precious metals that are held in depositories to be exempt from property taxation. Senate Joint Resolution 19 Texas should eliminate all property taxes within ten (10) years without implementing a state income tax. State lawmakers have admitted the two proposed amendments Prop 1 and Prop 2 are described on the ballot in a way most will probably find confusing. 2.) Rottinghaus described the amendment as a shortcut for county funding and said it could help urban counties going through a population boom. Voters wait in line at the Ruiz Branch Library in Southeast Austin in November 2020. Texas parents and guardians should have the right to select schools, whether public or private, for their children, and the funding should follow the student. Austin residents can vote on propositions covering camping bans for unhoused people, rearranging the Austin City Council structure and more in a special election May 1. And the Texas Legislature has said it plans to use $3 billion in federal relief funds to reduce the tax on homeowners. Heres what the court does, who is running for office and what issues candidates are running on. 2.) The Texas Heartbeat Act went into effect on September 1. Texas should ban chemical castration, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and genital mutilation surgery on all minor children for sex transition purposes.. If Proposition 2 passes, that hypothetical homeowner would instead pay taxes based on a $460,000 valuation. Proposition 5: judicial conduct limitation VOTING LOCATIONS: Find out where you can vote! It increases the amount of a residential homestead exemption in your public school taxes from $25,000 to $40,000. Here are the 10 propositions on the 2022 Republican Primary Election ballot: In light of the federal government's refusal to defend the southern border, Texas should immediately deploy the . December 6, 2021. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. Heres whats on the ballot, what youll need to vote, how to get help and how to find election results. According to the office of Republican Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the chair of the Senate Committee on Local Government, Proposition 1 would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. For example, someone could be a municipal for both Town A and Town B at the same time. Who is eligible to register to vote? Though the legislation was considered in the committee process, none made it through the entirety of the legislative process and the special session concluded without the legislature addressing the issue. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Voters should carefully review their ballots before submitting them. That is, except people 65 and older or with disabilities, whose rates were frozen. Heres how to check your status and register. yH^_? 6/3Z lmHd*#NlmtZ-L17y,wppgbkvsBvd4`t8I.!]rO{O3O- H )% (h1f6~KQT+G9XG\Bs/%yHK\@1 Oct. 10, 2022, How do I find out if Im registered to vote? % <> In the second-called special legislative session they appropriated an additional $1.8 billion amounting to an almost $3 billion total in response to a surge of illegal immigration along the Texas-Mexico border and the lack of attention from the federal government to the growing issue. Oct. 19, 2022, Polling shows that a majority of voters in Texas oppose the states near-total ban on abortion, but they ranked the topic ninth on a list of most important issues facing the country. KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. 7.) 8.) If you're planning on using the METRO to helo you get to and from the Houston Rodeo, here's everything you need to plan out your ride! In an election year, its become a political issue as well. Heres what passed. XHY>^%fP+\k0GC&>;] W8iRszs[:S#C:',Y1x%FGDaBm* {+}: d;BSoGv~JZzv-z{8]s Nov. 7, 2022, From election equipment to ballot counting and storage, Texas elections officials follow a long list of laws and procedures to ensure free and fair elections. Early voting runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4. Texas parents or legal guardians of public school children under the age of 18 should be the sole decision makers for all their childrens healthcare decisions including, but not limited to, psychological assessment and treatment, contraception, and sex education. Proposition 7: homestead tax limitation for surviving spouses of people with disabilities To see a sample of the full ballot, click here. Its Election Day. Texas Proposition 2 would allow the Texas Water Development Board to issue up to $200 million in bonds to help provide water and sewage for economically distressed areas in the state without requiring a vote. 1 0 obj We stand a much higher chance at getting our Legislative Priority bills passed when we have Republican chairs, so this is really critical, she added. Julie Moreno, Executive Producer/Digital Content. 3.) With the two constitutional amendments up for a vote, I think that probably bodes well for their fate because taxes are on everyone's minds at the moment, said James Quintero, policy director at the conservative organization Texas Public Policy Foundation. In light of the federal governments refusal to defend the southern border, Texas should immediately deploy the National Guard, Texas Military Forces, and necessary state law enforcement to seal the border, enforce immigration laws, and deport illegal aliens.