With early votes in and 33% of polling sites reported, Texas voters are on track to approve a $3 billion dementia research fund, tax exemptions for the spouses of deceased veterans and changes to the state’s judicial oversight arm.
All 17 state propositions on the ballot for the Nov. 4 general election appear poised to pass, as of now. But there’s still plenty of time for that to change as Election Day votes continue to trickle in.
Proposition 14: Dementia research
The latest results show Proposition 14 sitting comfortably with 68.4% of voters in favor. The proposition would establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas along with $3 billion in funding for the institute to advance dementia research.
The new institute would be modeled after the state’s Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, which was formed in 2007 with approval by 61% of Texas voters.
DPRIT would administer grants to researchers studying Parkinson’s disease, dementia and other brain diseases. It would be the largest state-funded brain disease research fund of its kind.
San Antonio researchers have advocated for the institute, pointing to the high rates of neurodegenerative diseases in South Texas. The institute also has the backing of Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, most state lawmakers, medical organizations and advocacy groups like the National Alzheimer’s Association, Texas Assisted Living Association, Texas Medical Association, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, among others.
Proposition 7: Veteran homestead exemption
Proposition 7 has support among 86.5% of voters, according to the latest numbers. The amendment allows state lawmakers to give property tax breaks on homes to spouses of U.S. veterans who died in connection to their service, as long as they haven’t remarried.
The measure has bipartisan support among lawmakers.
“This measure honors the sacrifices of military families and protects individual liberty and property rights,” said Texas Policy Research, a conservative think tank. “While further exemptions complicate the tax system, this narrowly targeted relief is justified. It should, however, be accompanied by broader property tax reform to maintain equity and simplicity.”
Texas voters have historically supported tax exemptions for veterans. Between 1972 and 2021, Texas voters approved eight constitutional amendments for veteran tax exemptions with at least 69% in favor, according to Ballotpedia.
San Antonio, known as Military City USA, is home to a large population of veterans. The exemption could benefit an estimated 3,000 spouses across the state.
Proposition 12: Judicial oversight changes
Proposition 12 currently has support among 63.4% of voters. This amendment would modify the makeup of the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct, a 13-member state commission that disciplines judges, and the commission’s conduct review process. It allows Gov. Greg Abbott to appoint a majority of the commission, which has raised concerns about overreach into the judicial branch.
The proposition has the backing of law enforcement associations, conservative think tanks and organizations focused on judicial accountability.“The fact that the SCJC sanctions judges in less than 1% of all complaints is deeply troubling as it undermines public confidence in judicial accountability and raises serious concerns about transparency and oversight,” Robert Garza, a director with Texans for Judicial Accountability, told The Texan.