Breaking Down the 17 Constitutional Amendments: What Texas Voters Need to Know

November 20, 2025

As Texans head to the polls on November 4, 2025, three constitutional amendments—Propositions 15, 16, and 17—stand out for their potential impact on parental rights, voting eligibility, and border security policy. Here’s a breakdown of each proposition, with arguments for and against to help voters make informed choices.

(15, 16, & 17 are a continuation of amendments)

 Proposition 15: Parental Rights Amendment

Summary:
Proposition 15 would enshrine into the Texas Constitution that parents have the right to “exercise care, custody, and control” of their children, including decisions about upbringing, education, and health.

✅ Pros:

• Codifies existing rights: Supporters argue it reinforces parental authority already recognized in federal case law, offering stronger protection against government overreach.
• Safeguards family autonomy: It may help prevent state agencies from intervening in family matters without due cause.
• Broad bipartisan appeal: Many see it as a commonsense affirmation of parental roles.

❌ Cons:

• Legal ambiguity: Critics warn the amendment could complicate child welfare investigations or limit protections for children in abusive households.
• Potential conflicts with school policy: It may challenge public health or curriculum decisions made by school districts.
• Unnecessary duplication: Some argue it’s redundant, as parental rights are already protected under existing law.

🗳️ Proposition 16: Citizenship Voting Requirement Amendment

Summary:
Proposition 16 would explicitly state in the Texas Constitution that only U.S. citizens may vote in state and local elections.

✅ Pros:

• Clarifies eligibility: Supporters say it reinforces a fundamental principle of democratic participation and prevents future legal ambiguity.
• Preemptive safeguard: It could block local jurisdictions from experimenting with noncitizen voting in municipal elections.
• Broad public support: Polls show strong backing for citizen-only voting rights.

❌ Cons:

• Symbolic rather than substantive: Critics argue it’s unnecessary since Texas law already restricts voting to citizens.
• Could fuel anti-immigrant sentiment: Some worry it sends a hostile message to immigrant communities.
• Distraction from real issues: Opponents say it diverts attention from pressing election infrastructure needs.

🛡️ Proposition 17: Border Security Property Tax Exemption

Summary:
Proposition 17 would allow property owners in counties bordering Mexico to receive a tax exemption for increased property value resulting from border security infrastructure improvements.

✅ Pros:

• Incentivizes security upgrades: Encourages private landowners to invest in fencing, surveillance, and other security measures.
• Supports state border efforts: Aligns with broader legislative goals to bolster border protection.
• Economic relief for rural landowners: Could offset costs for those contributing to public safety.

❌ Cons:

• Unequal benefit: Critics say it favors landowners in border counties, excluding others from similar exemptions.
• Potential misuse: Ambiguity around what qualifies as “border security infrastructure” could lead to abuse.
• Revenue loss: Local governments may lose tax revenue needed for schools and services.

🗳️ Final Thoughts

These propositions reflect broader debates about family autonomy, electoral integrity, and state security. Voters are encouraged to read the full ballot language, attend local forums, and consult trusted sources before casting their vote.

 Official Explanatory Statement
You can read the full legal summary from the Texas Secretary of State here:
 2025 Explanatory Statements (PDF)

 List of Proposed Amendments on the November 2025 Ballot

1. Proposition 1 – Creates two permanent funds for the Texas State Technical College System.
2. Proposition 2 – Prohibits the imposition of a state capital gains tax.
3. Proposition 3 – Requires courts to deny bail for certain violent offenses.
4. Proposition 4 – Allocates sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund.
5. Proposition 5 – Exempts animal feed held for retail sale from property taxation.
6. Proposition 6 – Expands property tax exemptions for certain disabled individuals.
7. Proposition 7 – Establishes parental rights in education and healthcare decisions.
8. Proposition 8 – Provides funding for rural hospitals and emergency services.
9. Proposition 9 – Reforms judicial accountability and oversight.
10. Proposition 10 – Enhances transparency in government spending.
11. Proposition 11 – Allows certain counties to adopt uniform election dates.
12. Proposition 12 – Permits local governments to use public funds for disaster recovery.
13. Proposition 13 – Clarifies eligibility requirements for certain elected offices.
14. Proposition 14 – Strengthens border security funding mechanisms.
15. Proposition 15 – Revises procedures for legislative redistricting.
16. Proposition 16 – Updates language in the constitution for clarity and consistency.
17. Proposition 17 – Authorizes new mechanisms for school district accountability.

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