This November, Texas voters approved 17 constitutional amendments, also known as state propositions — and while some of them flew under the radar, several will have a real, long-term impact on everyday Texans.
From property tax relief to a historic investment in water infrastructure, these changes are designed to address some of the biggest challenges facing the state: growth, affordability, and sustainability.
Here’s a breakdown of what passed — and what happens next.
A $20 Billion Investment in Texas’ Water Future
Under Proposition 4, voters authorized the state to invest $1 billion per year for 20 years into water supply and infrastructure — totaling $20 billion.
That funding will support:
New water supply projects
Repairs to aging water systems
Flood mitigation infrastructure
Desalination projects to expand water availability
The money will flow into the Texas Water Fund, a state account created in 2023 to help finance water projects statewide.
However, there’s an important catch:
Funding won’t begin flowing until September 2027, and lawmakers won’t be able to formally appropriate those dollars until the 2029 legislative session.
Until then, state agencies, water utilities, and local governments are preparing plans, updating regulations, and aligning future projects to be ready when funding becomes available.
Why does this matter?
Texas’ current state water plan estimates that by 2070, the population could reach 51.5 million people. At the same time, water demand is projected to rise while existing water supplies decline — a gap lawmakers now believe may be larger than previously estimated due to rapid growth and increased drought conditions.
In the meantime, the Legislature has already allocated $2.5 billion for water infrastructure through House Bill 500, the largest one-time water investment in Texas history.
Property Tax Relief for Homeowners and Seniors
Several propositions focus directly on easing the property tax burden for Texans.
Proposition 13
Raises the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000
Applies to a homeowner’s primary residence
State leaders estimate the average homeowner could save about $484 per year.
Proposition 11
Increases the additional homestead exemption for seniors and people with disabilities from $10,000 to $60,000
Brings their total state exemption to $200,000
Estimated annual savings for seniors and people with disabilities: around $950, though actual savings may vary depending on local tax rates.
Tax Relief for Small Businesses and Special Groups
Voters also approved several exemptions aimed at supporting businesses and specific communities:
Proposition 9
Exempts up to $125,000 of a business’s personal property (equipment, furniture, vehicles) from local property taxes
Previously capped at $2,500
State estimates suggest small business owners could save $2,500–$3,500 annually, though local governments may adjust tax rates to offset lost revenue.
Proposition 5
Creates a property tax exemption for stores that sell animal feed
Proposition 7
Establishes a tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from a service-related illness
Proposition 17
Exempts increases in property value from taxation for land along the Texas-Mexico border if the increase is tied to border security infrastructure
Most of these new exemptions are set to take effect January 1.
The Big Picture
These amendments reflect a broader shift in how Texas is preparing for the future — balancing rapid growth with affordability, infrastructure investment, and long-term planning.
Some benefits will be felt immediately. Others will take years to fully materialize. But together, they represent one of the most consequential rounds of constitutional changes Texas voters have approved in decades.