Letter to the Editor from State Rep. Justin Holland (R-Rockwall)

(ROCKWALL, TX — November 6, 2017) Greetings! During the 85th Legislative Session, over 150 joint resolutions to amend our Texas Constitution were proposed. In order for any joint resolution to become an eligible proposition for the upcoming constitutional amendment election, the joint resolution must receive a super majority, or two-thirds of the vote in each chamber of the legislature.

Ultimately, seven joint resolutions were passed and have become propositions for Texans to ratify on the November 7th ballot. Below is a brief look at each proposed amendment:

Proposition 1- Provides certain disabled veterans or their surviving spouses with property tax exemptions. Prop 1 would allow a disabled veteran or their surviving spouse to receive a property tax exemption if their house was donated or sold to them at less than market value by a charity.

Proposition 2- Revising home equity loan provisions. Prop 2 would lower the cap on fees that may be charged when making a home equity loan, from 3% to 2%, allow refinancing of home equity loans into non-home equity loans, revise a provision governing home equity lines of credit, and amend the list of types of approved lenders.

Proposition 3- Limiting terms for certain appointees of the Governor. Prop 3 would limit political appointees to only serve beyond their term in office until the ending of the legislative session that follows the expiration date of their term.

Proposition 4- Requires a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to a state statute. Proposition 4 authorizes the legislature to require a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute and allows the legislature to prescribe a waiting period before the court may enter a judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.

Proposition 5- Permits professional sports team charitable foundations to conduct charitable raffles. Proposition 5 would permit the foundations of sports teams to conduct charitable raffles at games hosted at their home venue.

Proposition 6- Provides a property tax exemption to the surviving spouse of a first responder who is either killed or fatally injured in the line of duty. Prop 6 would provide relief to the families of fallen first responders by exempting the surviving spouse of a fallen first responder from all or part of the market value of their home.

Proposition 7- Permits credit unions and other financial institutions to award prizes to promote savings. Proposition 7 would allow qualifying banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to conduct promotional activities, including raffles, if it encourages money savings.

Historically, very few voters turnout for elections to amend the state constitution. Be sure to make time Tuesday to stop by your polling location and make your voice heard!

Sincerely,

Justin Holland

Submitted press release.

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