Constitutional amendments on Tuesday’s ballot

Eleven constitutional amendments — most related to tax regulations, the power to govern, and funding sources — are on Tuesday’s ballot. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The propositions are:

Proposition 1

House Joint Resolution 132

Municipalities or counties may issue bonds and notes to finance the purchase of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to military installations.

The buffer areas would be used to prevent encroachment or to construct roadways utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the missions of the military installations. Municipalities or counties may pledge increases in ad valorem tax revenues for repayment of the bonds or notes.

Proposition 2

HJR 36, No. 1

The amendment would provide for the 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.

Proposition 3

HJR 36, No. 3

The amendment would provide administration and enforcement of uniform standards and procedures for appraisal of property for ad valorem taxes.

Proposition 4

HRJ 14, No. 2

Proposition 4 would establish the national research university fund to develop major research universities. The amendment would require the Legislature to dedicate state revenue to the fund and to transfer the balance of the existing higher education fund to the national research university fund.

The amendment would also require lawmakers to establish criteria by which a state university may become eligible to receive and use distributions from the fund.

Proposition 5 HJR 36, No. 2

A single appraisal review board would be allowed for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that provide for consolidated reviews of tax appraisals.

Proposition 6

HJR 116

The Veterans Land Board may issue general obligation bonds for selling land and providing home or land mortgage loans to veterans of the state.

Proposition 7

HJR 127

Officers or enlisted members of the Texas State Guard or other state militia or military force may hold other civil offices.

Proposition 8

HJR 7

The state may contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veterans hospitals in Texas.

Proposition 9

HJR 102

The right of the public to access stateowned beaches would be defined and laws enacted to protect that right.

Proposition 10

HJR 85

Members of the governing board of an emergency services district may serve terms not to exceed four years.

Proposition 11

HJR 14, No. 1

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 prohibits the taking of public property for transfer to a private entity for economic development or to increase tax revenues, and limits the Legislature’s authority to use eminent domain a two-thirds majority approves it.

For more on the propositions, polling places, and other election information, visit sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/index.shtml.