Austin House Democrats Retreat Amid Constitutional Amendment Debate
AUSTIN – House Democrats have seemingly backed down from their earlier threats to block proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, as six amendments passed on Monday afternoon. These included significant funding for dementia research and a new incentive fund for nuclear power.
Democratic leaders had hinted at a coordinated effort to obstruct any amendments requiring a two-thirds majority for voter approval, hoping to leverage their stance to negotiate a compromise on the contentious school choice initiative. However, Republican lawmakers refused to advance education savings account proposals to a statewide ballot, effectively sidestepping negotiations on the school choice bill currently awaiting the governor’s signature.
For amendments to pass in the House, they require 100 votes, necessitating the support of at least 12 out of the 62 Democratic members. Initially, the minority party resisted, momentarily blocking the passage of a proposal to add estate tax provisions to the state Constitution. This resistance, however, quickly dissipated, allowing large majorities to back six other amendments, including a notable $3 billion allocation for dementia research and a $2 billion nuclear power fund.
Several amendments had been delayed for weeks due to insufficient votes for placement on the November ballot. Among the successful proposals was a measure authored by Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, aimed at extending property tax exemptions to spouses of veterans who died from service-related medical conditions.
Turner acknowledged the bipartisan support for his proposal but indicated ongoing discussions within the Democratic caucus regarding potential opposition to other amendments with less support. Other amendments likely to be considered include adjustments to homestead exemptions, business tax cuts, bail law reforms, and funding for essential water projects.
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