In addition to the Empower Texans’ recommendations of the Texas State Constitutional Amendments, here is another analysis by The House Research Organization, a non-partisan source of impartial information on legislation and issues considered by the Texas Legislature. The HRO is an independent administrative department of the Texas House of Representatives. It is governed by a broadly representative steering committee of 15 House members elected by the House membership to set policy for the organization, approve its budget, and ensure that its reports are objective.
The HRO’s analysis has a bit more background and gives pros and cons of each amendment as well as actual text of the amendments, so that you may make informed decisions when you vote.
You can early vote between Monday, October 19th and Friday, October 30th. Early voting will be held:
(Mon) October 19 – (Fri) October 23 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
(Sat) October 24 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
(Sun) October 25 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(Mon) October 26 – (Fri) October 30 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Locate your early voting location here. However, please note that on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2009, you may only vote at your specific precinct location, (Harris County resident only on immediately preceding link).
All of these amendments are important. Amendment 1 affects financial authorizations for buffer areas around military installations. Amendments 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 & 11 affect property taxes and property rights. Amendment 4 establishes the National Research University Fund. Amendment 7 affects members of the Texas State Guard wanting to hold civil offices. Amendment 8 affects Veterans’ hospitals.
1. Authorizing local financing to buy buffer areas near military installations
2. Requiring appraisal of residence homesteads based on homestead value
3. Allowing state enforcement of uniform property appraisal standards
4. Establishing the National Research University Fund
5. Allowing consolidated boards of equalization for appraisal districts
6. Renewing Veterans’ Land Board bond authority for land and mortgage loan
7. Allowing members of the Texas State Guard to hold civil office
8. Authorizing the state to contribute resources to veterans’ hospitals
9. Establishing a right to use and access public beaches
10. Allowing board members of emergency services districts to serve four years
11. Restricting use of eminent domain to taking property for public purposes
Remember to research, read and take to heart each of the above before you vote as you will be living with the results. Thanks and God bless. 
November 10th, 2009 at 12:39 am
[...] eleven State Constitutional Amendments passed. [See stories, “House Research Organization: Analysis on Nov 3rd TX Constitutional Propositions, below, for actual text of proposed State Constitutional [...]