TEXAS (KTAL/KMSS) — On November 4, 2025, 17 constitutional amendments are on the ballot for Texas voters. Our ongoing series will explain what the amendments say, what they mean, why they are on the ballot, and the arguments for and against their passage.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive breakdown of these amendments; rather, it is an overview of the basics.
Texas Proposition 4: Funding the future of water infrastructure
Overview
“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the property of border security infrastructure and related improvements.”
Texas Proposition 1 would boost TSTC infrastructure and education
What it means
Proposition 17 and accompanying legislation would allow the state to provide a property tax exemption for value gained through increasing border security infrastructure.
Texas Proposition 7: Tax break for veterans’ widows
Why is it on the ballot?
Much of the Texas border with Mexico is on private property. As such, some landowners are hesitant to allow security measures that will also increase their taxes.
Texas Proposition 11: Tax relief for elderly, disabled homeowners
Supporters say
Taxing landowners for border security measures built on their private land is an unfair burden.
Some property owners may resist border security measures on their land if their taxes increase. This amendment may make some more willing to accept the measures.
Individuals who permit the use of their land to secure the border should be rewarded.
The exemption would only cover any increase in property value from border security measures. It would not affect the existing appraisal value.
The amendment would only apply to property in counties along the border with Mexico.
Texas Proposition 5: Tax exemption for animal feed inventory
Opponents say
The amendment could shift tax burdens to other property owners.
The legislature should focus on more comprehensive tax relief rather than targeting small segments of the population.
Local governments may have to adopt higher tax rates to offset losses from the exemption.
It would be unfair for landowners to reap the benefits of higher property values without being taxed for them, just as everyone else is.
The security of national borders is the responsibility of the federal government. State government should not be involved.
Landowners have the option to decline the border security measures. If they volunteer to accept the measures, that is a choice that should not be compensated.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
