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As you know, on November 7th Texas will have a Constitutional amendment election, and early voting is October 23 – November 3. I have included an overview of each proposition on the ballot. 

During the regular and special sessions, the legislature passed a total of 14 joint resolutions to propose these amendments to the Texas Constitution, and I supported and voted for each of them. Twelve of these joint resolutions would have statewide implications. 

I’d like to bring a few of these amendments to your attention. One of the most important measures before voters is Prop. 4, where you are asked to approve the largest property tax cut in Texas history. Earlier this year, I provided a detailed Q&A concerning matters related to this subject, and you can read that information HERE. 

Prop. 1 ensures that farmers and ranchers across our district have the ability to operate without undue government regulations which threaten their ability to survive. Prop. 6 ensures that Texas will have the infrastructure we need to provide water for our state’s booming population. 

I was personally involved in crafting the legislation for Prop. 7 to create the Texas Energy Fund. By approving this measure, we will take an important step forward in improving the reliability of the state’s electric power grid. Prop. 8 will create the Broadband Infrastructure Fund with a goal of expanding high-speed broadband all across Texas. Our retired teachers desperately need a cost of living adjustment (COLA), something they haven’t received in nearly 20 years. Approval of Prop. 9 ensures they receive that well-deserved COLA.  

Where required, the funding for some of these important measures has already been allocated and approved in the state budget, but voters have the final say.  

The Secretary of State has determined the order of the amendments by random draw and numbered them by proposition. Below is the ballot language for each statewide constitutional amendment with a brief description of the proposed changes. 

I hope you find this information helpful and informative.

Prop. 1 — “The constitutional amendment protecting the right to engage in farming, ranching, timber production, horticulture, and wildlife management.”
 
Prop. 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect a person’s right to engage in generally accepted farm, ranch, timber production, horticulture, or wildlife management practices on real property that the person owns or leases. The proposed amendment would not affect the authority of the legislature to authorize the regulation of these practices by: (1) a state agency or political subdivision as necessary to protect the public health and safety from imminent danger;
(2) a state agency to prevent a danger to animal health or crop production; or (3) a state agency or political subdivision to preserve or conserve the natural resources of the state under the Texas Constitution. Additionally, the proposed amendment would not affect the legislature’s authority to authorize the use or acquisition of property for a public use, including the development of natural resources under the Texas Constitution.
 
Prop. 2 — “The constitutional amendment authorizing a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a county or municipality of all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility.”
 
Prop. 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the governing body of a county or municipality to exempt from property taxation all or part of the appraised value of real property used to operate a child-care facility. The proposed amendment would authorize the governing body to adopt the exemption as a percentage of the appraised value of the property, but that percentage could not be less than 50% of the appraised value of the property. The proposed amendment also would allow the legislature to define the term “child-care facility” and to establish additional eligibility requirements to receive the property tax exemption.
 
Prop. 3 — “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual wealth or net worth tax, including a tax on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.”
 
Prop. 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing a tax based on the wealth or net worth of an individual or family. The proposed amendment also would prohibit the legislature from imposing a tax based on the difference between the assets and liabilities of an individual or family.
 
Prop. 4 — “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the board of directors of certain appraisal districts.”
 
Prop. 4 proposes a constitutional amendment to modify certain provisions of the Texas Constitution related to property taxes. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to temporarily limit the maximum appraised value of real property for property tax purposes in a tax year. The proposed amendment also would increase the mandatory homestead exemption for school district property taxation from $40,000 to $100,000. The proposed amendment would require the legislature to provide for a reduction in the amount of the limitation on school district property taxes imposed on the residence homestead of the elderly or disabled. Additionally, the amendment would exempt appropriations not dedicated by the Texas Constitution and used for property tax relief from being considered as appropriations when determining whether the rate of growth of appropriations in a biennium has exceeded the constitutional tax spending limit. The proposed amendment would further authorize the legislature to provide that members serving on an appraisal board in a county with a population of at least 75,000 serve terms not to exceed four years.

Prop. 5 — “The constitutional amendment relating to the Texas University Fund, which provides funding to certain institutions of higher education to achieve national prominence as major research universities and drive the state economy.”
 
Prop 5. proposes a constitutional amendment to redesignate the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund (TUF), and to appropriate funds from the economic stabilization fund to the TUF. The proposed amendment would appropriate to the TUF an amount equal to the interest income, dividends, and investment earnings attributable to the economic stabilization fund for the preceding state fiscal year. The appropriation amount could not exceed $100 million for the state fiscal year beginning September 1, 2023, or an amount adjusted for the increase in the general price index, not to exceed two percent, in subsequent state fiscal years. The proposed amendment also would prohibit any state university that is entitled to participate in dedicated funding provided by Article VII, Section 18 of the Texas Constitution from receiving money from the TUF.
 
Prop. 6 — “The constitutional amendment creating the Texas water fund to assist in financing water projects in this state.”
 
Prop. 6 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Texas water fund. The Texas water fund would be a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) or its successor to assist in financing water projects in the state. The proposed amendment would direct the Texas water fund administrator to use the fund only to transfer money to other TWDB funds or accounts. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to appropriate money for deposit to the water fund to be available for permitted transfers. No further legislative appropriation would be required for the water fund administrator to transfer money from or restore money to the fund, including the transfer of money to or the restoration of money from certain designated TWDB funds and accounts. The water fund would consist of: (1) money transferred or deposited to the fund by general law; (2) other revenue that the legislature by statute dedicates for deposit to the fund; (3) investment earnings and interest earned on amounts credited to the fund; (4) money from gifts, grants, and donations to the fund; and (5) money returned from any authorized transfer. The proposed amendment would require the legislature, by general law, to provide for the manner in which money from the Texas water fund may be used. The proposed amendment also would require that at least 25% of the money initially appropriated to the Texas water fund be transferred to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund.
 
Prop. 7 — “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas energy fund to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities.”
 
Prop. 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas energy fund. The Texas energy fund would be a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) or its successor. Money in the Texas energy fund could be used, without further appropriation, only by PUC or its successor to provide loans and grants to finance or incentivize the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric generating facilities necessary to ensure the reliability or adequacy of an electric power grid in the state. The proposed amendment would require PUC to allocate money from the fund for loans and grants to eligible projects for electric generating facilities that serve as backup power sources and in each region of the state that is part of an electric power grid in proportion to that region’s load share. The Texas energy fund would consist of: (1) money credited, appropriated, or transferred to the fund by or as authorized by the legislature; (2) revenue that the legislature dedicates for deposit to the fund; (3) the returns received from the investment of the money in the fund; and (4) gifts, grants, and donations contributed to the fund.
 
Prop. 8 — “The constitutional amendment creating the broadband infrastructure fund to expand high-speed broadband access and assist in the financing of connectivity projects.”
 
Prop. 8 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the broadband infrastructure fund. The broadband infrastructure fund would be a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund, administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (Comptroller). Money from the fund could be used, without further appropriation, only for the expansion of access to and adoption of broadband and telecommunications services. The broadband infrastructure fund would consist of: (1) money transferred or deposited to the fund by the Texas Constitution, general law, or the General Appropriations Act; (2) revenue that the legislature by general law dedicates for deposit to the fund; (3) investment earnings and interest earned on money in the fund; and (4) gifts, grants, and donations to the fund. The proposed amendment would authorize the Comptroller to transfer money from the broadband infrastructure fund to another fund as provided by general law, and the state agency that administers the fund to which any money is transferred could use the money without further appropriation only for the expansion of access to and adoption of broadband and telecommunications services. The broadband infrastructure fund would expire on September 1, 2035, unless extended by adoption of a joint resolution of the legislature. Immediately before the expiration of the fund, the Comptroller would be required to transfer any unexpended and unobligated balance remaining in the broadband infrastructure fund to the general revenue fund.

Prop. 9 — “The constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.”
 
Prop. 9 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide a cost-of­-living adjustment to eligible annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). The proposed amendment also would authorize the legislature to appropriate money from the general revenue fund to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to pay the cost-of-living adjustment.
 
Prop. 10 — “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation equipment or inventory held by a manufacturer of medical or biomedical products to protect the Texas healthcare network and strengthen our medical supply chain.”
 
Prop. 10 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to exempt from property taxation tangible personal property held by a medical or biomedical manufacturer as a finished good or used in the manufacturing or processing of medical or biomedical products.
 
Prop. 11 — “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to issue bonds supported by ad valorem taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities.”
 
Prop. 11 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the authority of the legislature with regard to conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County. The Texas Constitution permits conservation and reclamation districts in certain counties across the state to issue bonds to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities but does not currently provide this authority to El Paso County. The proposed amendment would add conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County to those districts currently allowed, if authorized by general law, to issue bonds supported by property taxes to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. The proposed amendment would not limit the powers of the legislature or of a conservation and reclamation district with respect to parks and recreational facilities as those powers currently exist.
 
Prop. 12 – “The constitutional amendment providing for the abolition of the office of county treasurer in Galveston County.”
 
This proposed amendment would abolish the office of county treasurer in Galveston County, a move sought by the current officeholder and other local officials.
Prop. 12 proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish the office of County Treasurer in Galveston County. The amendment would authorize the Galveston County Commissioners Court to employ or contract with a qualified person or designate another county officer to perform any functions that would have been performed by the County Treasurer. The proposed amendment would take effect only if a majority of the voters of Galveston County voting on the proposition favor the amendment.
 
Prop. 13 — “The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges.”
 
Prop. 13 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory retirement age for state justices and judges. Currently, the Texas Constitution establishes that justices and judges of the appellate courts, district courts, and criminal district courts must retire on the expiration of the term during which they reach the age of 75 years or an earlier age, not less than 70 years, as the legislature may prescribe. The proposed amendment would change the mandatory retirement age for justices and judges of the appellate courts, district courts, and criminal district courts to 79 years or an earlier age, not less than 75 years, as the legislature may prescribe. The proposed amendment also would remove the provision stating that justices and judges may only serve until December 31 of their fourth year in office if they reach the age of 75 years in the first four years of a six-year term.
 
Prop. 14 — “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks.”
 
Prop. 14 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the centennial parks conservation fund as a trust fund outside the state treasury. The fund could be used, in accordance with general law, only for the creation and improvement of state parks. The centennial parks conservation fund would consist of: (1) money appropriated, credited, or transferred to the fund by the legislature; (2) gifts, grants, and donations received by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) or its successor for a purpose for which money in the fund may be used; and (3) investment earnings and interest earned on amounts credited to the fund. The proposed amendment would authorize the legislature to appropriate money from the centennial parks conservation fund to TPWD or its successor for the creation and improvement of state parks.

I know you are stunned, heartbroken and outraged over the senseless murder of hundreds of Israeli citizens over the weekend at the hands of Hamas terrorists.

The carnage and destruction is simply shocking. As of this morning, the death toll is estimated at over 700 Israelis. Based on population, that would equal a terror attack in our country resulting in the deaths of about 28,000 Americans.

Sadly, there are reports of at least nine American deaths in Israel.

Today, as we began a Special Session of the Legislature, I had the privilege of offering SR 2, which expresses Texas’ solidarity with and support for the people of Israel, and underscoring their absolute right to defend themselves against these brutal attacks. The resolution is at the end of this email. This resolution passed unanimously, 31-0. 

Terry and I have visited Israel many times. We’ve walked the streets of Jerusalem and visited the holy sites across the city. We had the honor to be in the city for the opening of the U.S. Embassy. We have friends there, and we pray for their safety. 

Israel is now moving forward to destroy Hamas to ensure this can never happen again. As they do so, let us continue to pray for Israel…. for their strength, safety, protection and total victory.  

The impeachment trial is behind us, but it looks like we will be back in Austin for another special session very soon, most likely in early October.  Governor Abbott has not announced the specific “call” of the session, but I expect we will be taking up school choice, border security, and other matters as determined by the Governor.  In the meantime, here is a brief update. 

Grid Reliability Legislative Oversight Committee
It was an honor to be named by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick as one of four senators who will serve on the new joint House/Senate Grid Reliability Legislative Oversight Committee.  The committee will oversee the Public Utility Commission to ensure the agency is implementing the laws passed by the Texas House and Senate during the 2023 legislative session.  We have passed major reforms on a wide range of issues to ensure Texas will have the infrastructure we need to power our growing state.  This committee will work with various agencies to provide oversight during the implementation of those needed reforms.  Our task is also to identify additional steps we will need to take in the next legislative session, as we still have a long way to go in ensuring the grid reliability and resiliency that Texas needs.

Gender Modification Ban Took Effect September 1; Court Challenges Loom

I’m pleased to report that earlier this month on September 1st, Senate Bill 14, the “ending child gender modification” law went into effect. This bill outlaws puberty blocking drugs or gender modification surgery on children under 18, revokes the license of any doctor who provides gender transition treatments, and outlaws the use of public funds to pay for gender transitioning services to minors.  No one should be surprised that liberal activists opposed to this legislation have filed legal challenges, and those proceedings will take place in January.  As of today, the ban stands and I am hopeful that these court challenges will not be successful.  
 
Dr. Quentin Van Meter, Pediatric Endocrinologist and immediate past President of the American College of Pediatricians, provided his expert opinion and strong support for the bill, saying “When children go through puberty, the brain expects to see elevated levels of estrogen or testosterone. Changing or blocking this process has very real consequences. There is zero empirical science supporting the medical transitioning of children, and unless states act to protect children from this practice, we are going to have several million children in this country whose lives were ruined.”

Mark Your Calendars:  For Historic Property Tax Relief, Vote “YES” to Proposition 4  (Early Voting Begins October 23)
Over the summer, the Texas Legislature passed an unprecedented property tax relief package, and it was signed by Governor Abbott.  Now, however, this proposition must be passed by the voters in the form of a constitutional amendment. You as a voter have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the amount of property taxes that you pay.  By approving Prop. 4, you are sending a clear message that you support these significant property tax cuts in the upcoming November 7th election. Early voting begins in less than a month, running from October 23 to November 3rd.

Using the average home value in Texas of $330,000, this tax cut will provide about $1,300 in property tax relief. If passed, it will be applied retroactively to January 1 of the current year, meaning you’ll see savings on your current property tax bill that’s due in January 2024.

If you missed my earlier email that addressed many of the questions I have received concerning property taxes, appraisals, homestead exemptions and related issues, click here for that information.

In Memory of Officer Darrin McMichael

As a former police officer, it is always gut-wrenching for me to read about the loss of one of our men in blue. As many of you have no doubt heard, Officer Darrin McMichael, an Arlington police officer for 24 years, was killed on his way to work last week in a hit and run.  He leaves behind a wife, also an APD officer, children, and grandchildren.
 
On Wednesday, Officer McMichael was laid to rest after his motorcade passed through Arlington.  Terry and I extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the family of Officer Darrin McMichael, as well as to the entire Arlington PD family. 
 
The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and the Arlington Police Department have announced up to a $20,000 reward for information leading them to the driver who killed Officer McMichael. Crime Stoppers is offering $5,000, with Oak Farms Dairy pledging an additional $15,000. The information must be provided to Crime Stoppers.

Back Home in the District

After being in Austin much of the summer for the impeachment trial and the two special legislative sessions, it was good to be back home and in the district among friends, family, and supporters. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to both the Republican Women of Arlington and the Fort Worth Republican Women.

At the monthly meeting of the Fort Worth Republican Women with Mona Bailey, former State Rep. Bill Zedler, and Tarrant County District Clerk Tom Wilder.

It’s always good to see our great Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, who also provided remarks to the Fort Worth Republican Women.

Great to see these Republican women in Fort Worth, including current SD 10 SREC Committeewoman Susan Wright.

Thanks again to the Republican Women of Arlington for inviting me to update them on recent events.

With my longtime friend and supporter Dr. Mark Hanson after my speech to the Republican Women of Arlington Club.

Here with Jan Tyler, President of the Republican Women of Arlington.

With former State Rep. Barbara Nash.

Recently had the chance to take in a Texas Rangers baseball game with four of my grandkids. We were excited to see the Rangers win and move into first place in the AL West!
 

Judy Flanagin of my office presented a Senate Resolution to Kim Laws honoring her 50 years of service in banking.

As you no doubt know, the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton ended on Saturday with the acquittal on all sixteen Articles of Impeachment.

My work began months before the trial started and I took my role very seriously. I served on the Senate Special Committee for Rules and Procedures for the Court of Impeachment and as a judge and juror in this historic process. 

My commitment to you prior to the start of the trial was that I would hold my constitutional responsibility in the highest regard and make the best decision in recognition of my oath, to render a true verdict according to the laws, and the evidence, so help me God. And I did just that. 

For more insight into the process, please listen to my interview with Mark Davis yesterday.  I think it will answer a lot of your questions about the trial and final vote to acquit.  My interview was followed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.  This was the first impeachment trial of its kind since 1917.  Between the two interviews you’ll hear a lot that has not been widely reported. 

I have been receiving calls, emails and other messages concerning the role of the Senate during the Attorney General Ken Paxton impeachment trial which begins at 9:00 am on Tuesday, September 5^th.  

First and foremost, communication from constituents is always needed and appreciated. However, in the unique instance of an impeachment trial, please understand that I am not permitted to comment or engage in any discussion as I am in the position of a judge and a juror.  I am also under a judicial gag order that prohibits discussion of the matter, which includes discussion on the merits of the case. This gag order also applies to my staff.

When the trial begins, I will publicly take the following oath:

 “I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will impartially try Warren Kenneth Paxton, Jr., Attorney General of Texas, upon the impeachment charges submitted to me by the House of Representatives and a true verdict render according to the law, and the evidence, so help me God.”

As your Senator, I hold my constitutional responsibility as a member of the Court of Impeachment in the highest regard. My commitment to you, and to all my constituents, is to do my very best to make a decision that is in recognition of my oath. Thank you for your understanding that I cannot directly respond to your calls and other communications.

My office has also received questions concerning information publicly available to citizens.  If you wish to stay informed throughout the process, here is information I can share:

• The Clerk of the Court of Impeachment has a public website which provides access to the resolutions adopted by the legislature and other official documents related to the impeachment, including the rules and procedures. You can view these documents HERE. 

• Official guidelines have been issued for in-person public access to the Senate Gallery during the impeachment trial and can be viewed HERE.

• The trial will be live streamed each day and it will begin at 9:00 am on Tuesday, September 5^th. The live stream can be viewed HERE.   

Thank you again for your understanding in this matter, and for the honor and privilege of representing you in the Texas Senate.

As we approach the end of August, I hope you have enjoyed time with family and friends this summer.  As for me, the cooler weather of the Fall months can’t get here soon enough!  In the meantime, here are some updates on recent events and some of my travels across Senate District 10.  
 
Gov. Abbott Signs Save Women’s Sports Act in North Texas
 
Last week Governor Greg Abbott ceremonially signed the Save Women’s Sports Act, which I co-authored and strongly advocated for during recent session. Joining the Governor was former NCAA athlete Riley Gaines and other female athletes to celebrate this law, which protects the integrity of fair competition and women’s sports in Texas.  Senate Bill 15 requires athletes in college sports to compete under their biological gender. This is a matter of fairness, safety, and frankly common sense. With obvious physiological differences that advantage biological men, it’s simply unfair for college women to be forced to compete against them.  With the passage of SB 15, Texas made it clear that our college athletes will be protected. 

Joining Gov. Abbott to Crack Down on Illegal Street Racing 

As a former Fort Worth police officer, I was honored to join Governor Greg Abbott recently as he signed legislation to address the growing and dangerous problem of organized illegal street racing. Sheriff Bill Waybourn, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes, and several of my legislative colleagues joined local law enforcement officials to highlight these new laws.   This crime wave is being driven in large part by recruitment of teenagers through social media. Vehicles involved in illegal street racing will now be impounded; also, reckless driving exhibition and racing on a highway are now considered organized criminal activity. Our families should be able to drive without risking serious bodily injury, or even death, from illegal organized racing. The legislature took these actions to help ensure safety and hold these criminals accountable.

ACLU and Others Sue to Block Bills to Protect Texas Children

The recent session also saw some key legislation passed to push back on growing and disturbing efforts at sexualizing our children.  I strongly supported the Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources (READER) Act, passed overwhelmingly and signed by Governor Abbott.  Aimed at public primary and secondary schools, the READER act is meant to prevent the possession, acquisition, and purchase of harmful material, sexually explicit material, or library material that is pervasively vulgar.  Various groups opposed to this bill have filed suit to stop the bill from going into effect next month. 
 
We also passed Senate Bill 12, which is set to become law on September 1.  The bill would ban any sexually oriented performances in public places where underage children are present.  However, the ACLU filed a lawsuit last week to block the law from being implemented.  ACLU’s attorney claimed the bill was censorship, and I strongly disagree.  Minor children simply should not be exposed to drag shows.   
 
I’m proud of the legislature’s efforts to take a stand to protect our children from exposure to content that is not age appropriate.  I hope and pray that the lawsuits seeking to stop us from adopting these new standards will fail.

Property Tax Relief Explained

We have received very positive feedback on our most recent email which provided answers to a host of questions related to the property tax relief package passed by the Texas Legislature.   If you didn’t have a chance to review that information you can find it HERE.   As a reminder, this historic property tax relief must by approved by Texas voters.   That’s why it’s important to mark your calendar and VOTE YES FOR PROP 4.  Early voting runs from Monday, October 23rd, to Friday, November 3rd, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th.

Snapshots from Visits Across the District

Attending the Arlington Chamber of Commerce “Legends and Leaders” event hosted at Globe Life Field.

Pictured (L-R) Former Mayor Jeff Williams, Jared Sloane, Steve Montgomery, Anette Soto Landeros, Senator Phil King, Michelle Green-Ford, Michael Jacobson. 

At Globe Life Field, I provided an update on state grant funding for the National Medal of Honor Museum.

Speaking at the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce “Business Before Breakfast,” providing an update on legislative accomplishments.  It’s always good to be among friends in my hometown.

I had the opportunity to participate in a lunch meeting to discuss the ongoing efforts for the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth.   Those present include the grandmother of Juneteenth herself, Ms. Opal Lee along with museum executive board members Dr. Gleniece Robinson, Dr. Angela Mitchell, Dione Sims and Museum CEO Jarred Howard.

Attending the Chisolm Trail 100 Annual Meeting in Johnson County.  

Pictured (L-R) Former Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford, Grady & Janice Lewis, Phil & Terry King, Pastor Gloria Gillaspie, and Barry Gee, CFO Open Door Church-Burleson

I enjoyed being in Brownwood recently, where I shared an overview of the recent legislative session
with the Brown County Republican Women. 

What an honor to be able to give remarks at the grand opening for the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom Building at Howard Payne University (HPU) in Brownwood. 

Pictured (L-R) Howard Payne University Board Chairman Ronnie Andrews, HPU President Dr. Cory Hines, Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes, Senator Phil King, and Representative David Spiller

Since the Legislature passed the historic $18 billion property tax relief package I’ve received a number of questions concerning the specific details and especially what part voters play in approving this tax relief in the November Constitutional elections.  
 
Here is a summary of some of the most common questions. Hopefully this will be helpful to you.
 
Q:  What does the overall package contain?
A:   The components of the $18 billion in tax relief are:
$ 12.5 billion in tax relief from “compression”
(that means the state is providing more funding to school districts, thus reducing the local school property tax rate.  Specifically, school district property tax rates will be compressed – or reduced – by an average of 18 cents per $100 valuation for all homeowners and business properties statewide).
$   5.3 billion from an increase in the Homestead Exemption
($100,000 of your home value will be exempt from taxation, up from $40,000)
$   0.2 billion for “circuit breaker” (or appraisal caps) for non-Homestead properties
(this includes residential or commercial properties valued at $5 million or less)
 
Q:  How much money will I save if the tax relief package is passed by the voters?
A:  Based on an average home value of $331,000, taxpayers will save an average of $1,300 a year.
 
Q:  I’ve also heard there is tax relief for small businesses.  Is that in addition to the $18 billion above?
A:  Correct.  In addition to the tax relief above, we doubled the amount of a taxable entity’s revenue that is exempted from the franchise tax from $1.235 million to $2.47 million. Because of this change, we estimate that approximately 67,000 small to medium sized businesses will no longer pay the franchise tax.
 
Also, if you don’t owe any tax, you will no longer be required to file a “no tax due” franchise tax return form.  This will reduce paperwork and reporting requirements that cost time and money.
 
Q:  What part of this tax relief package must be approved by the voters? 
A:  Proposition 4, which will implement the additional tax rate compression, the increase in the homestead exemption and the appraisal board reform (discussed below), must be approved by the voters in a statewide constitutional election. Early voting runs from Monday, October 23rd, to Friday, November 3rd, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th.
 
Q:  How does the homestead exemption work? 
A:  You will see significant property tax relief from a major increase in your homestead exemption, available to taxpayers who own and reside at a property as of Jan. 1 of the year.
 
For example, if your home is valued at $300,000, currently you can take a $40,000 homestead exemption, and you are taxed only on $260,000. However, because of legislation just passed, if approved by the voters you will be able to claim a $100,000 exemption, meaning you will be taxed on only $200,000 of the $300,000 appraised value. 

Q: How does this impact me if I’m over 65 or Disabled?
A:  If you are a homeowner over 65, or a disabled homeowner, you will continue to receive an additional $10,000 homestead exemption.  Therefore, if Prop 4 is approved, your homestead exemption will be $110,000 instead of $100,000.  
 
As you may know, school districts are not allowed to increase property taxes on an older or disabled adult; the amount owed is capped where it was for the first year they qualified.  If Prop 4 is approved, frozen tax bills will be recalculated to account for the increase in the homestead exemption and will refreeze at the new, lower calculated amount.
 
Q:  I keep hearing about this “circuit breaker” that will apply to other properties.  Can you explain how that works? 
A:  We passed a 3-year “pilot program” that will apply to other properties such as rental properties or others you may own that are not your primary residence. For those properties valued at $5 million or less, appraisals can’t go up more than 20% from the previous year. There is currently no such cap for those properties.

Q:  When will I see the relief? 
A:  It’s different for each component of the tax relief package.
 
Homestead exemption:  If approved in November, the tax cuts from the homestead exemption will be retroactive to January 1st of this year. This means you will see the tax relief reflected on your property tax bill for the 2023 year that’s due by January 31st, 2024.  

Compression: The tax relief from the compression portion will be effective for tax year 2023, for the bill that is due January 31st, 2024.
 
Circuit Breaker/Appraisal Cap:  If approved in November, this three-year pilot program will be effective for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 tax year.
 
Franchise Tax Relief:  The doubling of the franchise tax exemption will take effect January 1, 2024 and applies only to franchise tax reports originally due on or after that date.
 
Q:  Won’t the appraisal values just keep going up and wipe out any benefit of this increased homestead exemption?
A:  The Legislature has passed homeowner protections to prevent that from happening. In 2019, we passed a law which prohibits cities and counties from raising property tax revenue more than 3.5% without voter approval; for school districts, that number is 2.5%. 
 
Q:  What else do I need to know about the appraisal process?
A:  Well, we took some important steps to provide more direct citizen involvement in the appraisal process, but again, these changes must be approved by the voters in November.  
 
In counties with a population of 75,000 or more, local citizens will be given the opportunity to elect 3 new members to their local appraisal district board of directors (currently, all appraisal boards are appointed).  These new directors will first be elected in the May 2024 elections and initially serve 2.5 year terms.
 
Q: Let’s say I only owe $100,000 on my mortgage. If the $100,000 homestead exemption passes, does that mean I won’t pay any more school taxes?  
A:  Your property tax bill is based on your taxable value, not how much you owe on your mortgage.
 
Q:  I love the idea of tax savings, but I’m concerned that this is money that would have gone to fund our school systems.  
A:  The state of Texas is fully funding education, so school districts will receive the same amount of money they would have without this property tax cut.
 
Q:  My monthly mortgage payment is partially to pay down my home, and partially to pay for my property taxes through escrow.  So should my overall payment decrease next year?
A: Most mortgage companies re-calculate your property payment each year. So all else being equal, your overall mortgage payment should go down next year to reflect your lower property tax bill.
 
Q:  What happens next?  
A:  First, local school boards are adopting rates right now with all of the compression factored in (that is, the increased portion of local education funding that will be coming from the state).  As required by law, local tax assessors will calculate the bills and send them to you on the assumption that Prop 4 will be approved.  These new estimates of your property tax bill will arrive in October or November.   In the unlikely event that Prop 4 is not approved by voters, you would receive a supplemental property tax bill.
 
That’s why it’s important to VOTE YES FOR PROP 4.  Reminder:  Early voting runs from Monday, October 23rd, to Friday, November 3rd, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th.

I’m pleased to report that today, after months of negotiation, the Texas House and Senate have reached an agreement that will provide for the largest property tax cut in Texas history. 

More details are forthcoming, but here are the broad parameters of the agreement:

• Over $12 billion will be spent on reducing the school property tax rate for all homeowners and business properties.
• Every homeowner who homesteads their residence (approximately 5.7 million homeowners) will receive a $100,000 homestead exemption.
• Non-homesteaded properties, valued at $5 million and under, including residential and commercial properties, will receive a 20% “circuit breaker”. This 3-year pilot project will function to limit appraisal increases. 
• Legislation will also include savings on the franchise tax for small businesses and create newly-elected positions on local appraisal boards.

I’m pleased that we will be providing this level of relief to Texans. Last year, as a candidate for Texas Senate, I made clear that property tax relief must be a top priority.  Hopefully this legislation will be voted out very soon and the impact will be felt in the coming months.

The Texas Legislature today reached an agreement that will provide the largest property tax cut in Texas history.

We are approaching the last week of the 88^th Legislative Session which ends on Memorial Day – one week from tomorrow.  
 
Senators, Representatives and their staff have been working long days; in fact, we are in session today on Sunday. Bills important to members are dying, so frustrations can be high and patience is in short supply. Tensions between the Senate and House rise to the surface, as good people have different approaches on how to address issues facing our great state. I’ve seen the end of sessions play out many times throughout my years as a legislator, and this is not uncommon. 

No doubt there is important work to be done, but legislation is getting passed. Here’s a look at some movement on some of those bills.  
 

Gender Modification Ban Passes – On to the Governor’s Desk

After initially passing the Texas Senate, on Monday the Texas House passed SB 14, our bill to ban gender modification procedures on minors. The bill came back to the Senate for a final vote on Wednesday, and the bill is now on its way to the Governor’s desk. The testimony I heard related to this issue from those impacted by these procedures was disturbing and sobering. I’m very pleased that we have drawn a line in the sand, making clear that Texas will not allow dangerous, unproven medical practices on vulnerable children. 

Save Women’s College Sports Legislation Passes, Also On to the Governor

After receiving final passage last week, SB 15 is ready for the Governor’s signature. I’ve kept you updated on the progress of this bill, which bans the practice of biological men seeking to unfairly compete against women in college athletics. Last session, as a House member I voted to ban this practice up to the high school level, but we have seen proliferation of this problem at the collegiate level.

If you haven’t followed this issue closely, please listen to testimony of Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer who was a 12-time NCAA All-American and 5-time SEC Champion. I’ve provided this link before, but am doing so again as she provides powerful, compelling information on why this legislation was needed. Please go to 1:40:00 at the following link here.

Senate Passes Texas Regulatory Consistency Act
 

On Monday, we began the week by passing HB 2127, a key bill to bring fairness, predictability, and consistency to the regulatory process faced by businesses across Texas.
 
Even with Texas’ reputation as a pro-business haven, some businesses are facing increased costs related to navigating a patchwork of new regulations passed by different cities. In fact, would you be surprised to learn that some large municipalities are using subpoena power to harass local businesses? This is far outside the appropriate role of local government. 
 
Because of the costs incurred with this growing regulatory intrusion, some companies have even had to resort to laying off employees. Large companies have more of an ability to withstand these costs, but small businesses are significantly impacted. In fact, this bill was the top legislative priority of the Texas Chapter of NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business), which represents small “mom and pop” operations most severely impacted by this disturbing trend of government overreach. 
 
The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act ensures that municipalities “stay in their lane” and within the constraints prescribed and outlined by the constitution. The bill makes clear that cities can’t have an ordinance that is in conflict with our state constitution, giving local job creators greater confidence in the regulatory landscape. At the same time, local governments will retain clear authority to regulate traditionally local matters; just a few examples include zoning, public safety, employment and housing discrimination, emergency management, fireworks and fire suppression, flood control and drainage, drought and water restrictions.
 
I actually carried similar legislation in the Texas House last session; however, it died in the final days of the session when Democrats called a point of order to kill it, then fled the state. I look forward to this legislation taking effect later this fall after the governor’s signature.
 

Landmark Legislation to Ensure Protections and Life Sustaining Treatment for Hospitalized Patients

Sometimes, legislation that has significant impact doesn’t receive the headlines or attention warranted, and I believe this is the case with HB 3162 which has now passed both chambers.
 
Currently, if a doctor determines that a patient’s life-sustaining medical treatment is “medically inappropriate” and an ethics committee at the hospital agrees, the patient and their family are given 10 calendar days to find a new health care provider. If the family is not successful, the treatment keeping their relative alive can be stopped against their will. You will no doubt remember the 2019 case of Tinslee Lewis (“Baby Tinslee”), a nine-month-old baby with a rare heart condition given only 10 days to live. The courts intervened, her life was sparred, and she is still alive today.
 
This legislation amends the Texas Advance Directives Act to provide patients on life sustaining treatment – and their families advocating for them – with new rights.  Here are some of the key provisions:

• Instead of only 10 days, families will now have 25 days to make a transfer for their loved one;
• Hospitals must perform a procedure necessary to facilitate a transfer before the 25 day countdown may begin;
• “Quality of life” may no longer be used as a criteria when making decisions about continuing treatment, as this tactic can be used to make arbitrary judgements concerning the elderly or disabled;
• When hospital ethics committees are meeting, families must be provided at least 7 calendar days notice and be allowed to participate in the meeting;
• Life sustaining treatment can’t be withheld from a patient capable of communication;
• Hospitals now have reporting requirements on the dispute resolution process; this information will be made publicly available on the Texas Department of Health and Human Services website 

As a legislator, I’ve been faced with this issue for at least 20 years, and a solution has been elusive. I’m grateful that progress has finally been made to ensure that patients and their families will soon have greater protection during a very stressful and emotional time. 

Increasing Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Abuse

In previous updates I’ve shared how the unchecked border is allowing a dramatic increase in the increased supply of fentanyl, a dangerous and potent synthetic opioid. In the 12-month period ending in November 2022, the CDC reports more than 75,000 Americans died from an overdose of synthetic opioids, mainly from fentanyl. The Texas Department of Public Safety has seized over 353 million lethal doses of fentanyl since the beginning of Operation Lone Star in March 2021. HB 6, passed last week, seeks to address this issue by increasing criminal penalties for the manufacturing or delivery of fentanyl, expanding the conduct constituting murder, and creating two criminal offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain opioids.

Honoring Veterans with Free Access to Texas State Parks

I voted last week to support a bill that would allow all honorably discharged veterans and active U.S. armed forces members free access to our state parks, along with free access to a surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling of a person who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces.  This is a great way to honor our veterans and show our appreciation for the men and women who have proudly served our nation. Currently, only disabled veterans are eligible for free access, and with this action this courtesy will be extended to all veterans.

A few more items moving through the process:

• Critical legislation to address Texas’ growing water needs, SB 28, received final passage and is on to the Governor’s desk. This bill establishes the Texas Water Fund and the New Water Supply Fund, which voters will need to approve in a November constitutional referendum.
• Unfortunately, there has been a growing movement across multiple states to impose state taxes based on net worth or wealth. HJR 132, passed by the Senate, would allow the people of Texas to decide whether or not they want a direct say in the possibility of a net worth tax being imposed by the legislature. Obviously, I would strenuously oppose the creation of a net worth tax.
• The Senate voted this week in support of expanding broadband availability to rural areas of the state. HB 9 creates the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, administered by the office of the Texas Comptroller. HJR 125 would place a constitutional amendment before Texas voters, who would have to approve the proposed funding.

I want to wish all of our Moms a wonderful Mother’s Day and acknowledge the very special role they have in our lives. I particularly want to share how blessed I am for my wife, Terry, and the amazing job she did in raising our six children and serving as a role model for our five daughters. I am blessed with a wonderful stepmother, Barbara, who helped fill the void after my mother passed. My mother, Joyce King, was very ill most of her adult life and passed away many years ago. As we think of the moms in our lives – whether living or their memory – this is a great day to say thank you! Happy Mother’s Day!

Senate Passes My Bill to Establish First in Nation Terrorist Registry

One of the bills that I authored and passed last week by the Senate establishes a first in the nation Terrorist Offender Registry.    

First, some background. Texas has not yet taken action to enact state criminal statutes directed at terrorism. This has resulted in law enforcement and prosecutors lacking the necessary tools to pursue investigations, obtain convictions, and impose proportionate punishments against terrorist actors. 

SB 1518 provides those tools by creating a new category for terroristic offenses. The new state terrorism offenses will carry appropriate penalties against terrorists who knowingly act or provide material support to terrorist organizations. Commission of an offense carries a mandatory enhancement of one penalty level and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years for felonies and 180 days for misdemeanors.

Finally, SB 1518 identifies and tracks those who have proven to be threats to public and national safety. Currently, if someone is released from prison after serving time for a terrorist-related crime, we have no idea where those people are if they come to our state. Therefore, following completion of their prison sentence for the commission of a reportable offense, this bill requires convicted terrorists to register on the Terrorist Offender Registry if they reside in or plan to move to the State of Texas.  This would operate similarly to our existing state sex offender registration statute, but there are some differences; for example, information on this new registry is accessible only by law enforcement.  

Border Security Remains in Focus: Texas Senate Takes Action

Earlier this week I expressed my concern about the unfolding crisis at the border after Title 42 expired at midnight on Thursday. While the full consequences and effects are yet to be fully known, the ensuing border chaos in the first few days demonstrates that – once again – the federal government under President Joe Biden is unwilling and incapable of securing our southern border. These developments also underscore why it is critical for Texas to take the leadership in this mission and provide the resources to get it done. As the session nears an end, I thought this would be an appropriate time to recap bills passed so far by the Texas Senate that have an impact on border security. Some of these bills are still in process and passage is not assured, but these have been passed by the Senate:

HB 1 (our state budget): provides $4.6 billion to maintain current border security operations with a pay raise for border law enforcement
SB 22:  funding rural law enforcement
SB 423: authorizes Texas military forces to use drones for border security and other operations
SB 602: confers state felony arrest authority to US Border Patrol agents
SB 1248: strengthens smuggling laws to include state parks
SB 1403: creates the Border Security Compact
SB 1427: provides increased penalties for smuggling
SB 1484: a border operations training program
SB 1709:  my legislation strengthens organized crime and sedition laws
SB 1884: sanctioning foreign nationals
SB 1900: adds foreign terrorist organizations to organized crime under state law
SB 2424:  gives the state authority to enforce our border

Authoring Legislation to Target ESG Policies Impacting the Cost of Insurance

We’ve all seen the increasingly liberal, “woke” agenda of some corporations. Instead of focusing on what is best for customers and shareholders, many are intent on bowing to the small but vocal activists who are pushing the so-called ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) model. 

This trend has even impacted the insurance industry. That’s why I authored SB 833, which prohibits any insurance company doing business in Texas from using environmental, social, or governance factors as a basis for determining insurance rates. SB 833 will ensure that only mathematically valid factors are considered when determining rates, not race, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation, and certainly not an ESG rating.

An example of this would be if a company had a truck fleet that’s all electric and another company had a truck fleet that is diesel, the EV fleet could not get a different, lower premium that has nothing to do with causality or risk factors. 

This Texas bill, and our aggressive efforts to rein in ESG, have received national notice. Recently TIME magazine wrote: “Over the past year, the backlash against so-called ESG investing has swept through red states as legislatures enacted laws punishing investment firms that use environmental, social, and governance metrics in their decision making. As the saying goes, it’s bigger in Texas.”

Senate Passes Additional Legislation to Ban COVID Mandates

This week the Senate passed SB 1024, which bans government entities from mandating masks, vaccines, and from adding COVID-19 vaccines to school immunization schedules. It also prohibits discrimination against unvaccinated people by labor organizations.

Honoring the TCCRI Student Scholars of the 2023 Legislative Session

As I’ve shared before, I serve as Chairman of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute (TCCRI). Every legislative session since 2009, the TCCRI Clements Legislative Study Program provides conservative college students the opportunity to learn about public policy development up close and firsthand as interns at the Texas Capitol. The program is the largest of its kind in Texas for conservative college students.

Each Texas legislative session, TCCRI places scholars in the office of a state legislator who is a member of the Texas Conservative Coalition (TCC), the conservative caucus of the Texas Legislature; this provides a unique learning environment for students interested in public service and public policy. Through this program, TCCRI helps ensure that its founding principles – Limited Government, Individual Liberty, Free Enterprise, and Traditional Values – are instilled in the next generation of conservative leaders. 

Last week, we honored this year’s participants including our SD 10 intern, Jackie Pillow of Fort Worth.  A graduate from Aledo ISD, she is a second-year UT student majoring in Canfield Business Honors and Finance, with a minor in Law, Justice, and Society.

Last week we honored the students who participated in the TCCRI Clements Legislative Study Program, which provides conservative college students the opportunity to learn firsthand about the public policy process. 

Last Thursday, we were joined by 16 World War II veterans, ranging in age from 95 to 102. This was an amazing opportunity to see these living Texans from the “Greatest Generation”.  It was a particular honor for me to meet SD 10 constituent Arnold Pitchford from Millsap. Mr. Pitchford served in the United States Army from April 1945 through December 1946. He was born on Tin Top Road in Weatherford, resides on the family farm on Pitchford Lane and has multiple generations of family living in Parker County. Thank you for your service, Sir!

Honoring Texas WW II Veterans of the “Greatest Generation”

Last week, Thursday’s observance of World War II Veterans Capitol Day provided us an opportunity to honor brave members of the Greatest Generation for their selfless service. These patriots helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.

In December 1941, the United States was drawn into the most devastating and consequential conflict in human history. At that time, although Texas had only five percent of the nation’s population, we provided seven percent of armed forces personnel. By the end of the war, 750,000 Texans, including 12,000 women, had contributed to victory over enemy forces; the majority of these service members were in the U.S. Army and the Army Air Force, but nearly a quarter served in other branches; over 22,000 Texans made the ultimate sacrifice, a third of this number in the Navy, Marines, or Coast Guard. 

According to the National World War II Museum, as of 2022, 8,200 World War II veterans were living in Texas, the fifth-highest number of all states in the U.S. It was a privilege to meet some of these great men, shake their hand, and let them know how much we honor them.