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Learn More About Constitutional Amendments
L E A R N M O R E A B O U T CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
ON NOV. 2 BALLOT
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by Precinct 4 Commissioner Dianne Edmondson
photo courtesy by Commissioner Dianne Edmondson
The Texas State Constitution is unique in many ways, one of which is its length. At 86,936 words long, including amendments added to the original document, our state Constitution is second in length only to Alabama’s with 388,882 words.
This year, on November 2, Texas voters will be considering eight possible amendments to our State Constitution. These proposed amendments deal with a myriad of topics, including the qualifications for district and higher level judges, tax reductions for spouses of deceased military service members, counties rehabbing blighted roadways, etc.
To vote in this election, you must have been registered at least 30 days prior, and Early Voting begins on October 18. You can find your voting location at www. VoteDenton.com.
Here is a synopsis of the eight proposed amendments, courtesy of Reform Austin:
PROPOSITION 1
What it says: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the professional sports team charitable foundations of organizations sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to conduct charitable raffles at rodeo venues.” What it means: This amendment would authorize professional sports team charitable organizations to conduct raffles at rodeo venues.
PROPOSITION 2
What it says: “The constitutional amendment authorizing a county to finance the development or redevelopment of transportation or infrastructure in unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas in the county.”
What it means: The amendment would authorize a county to issue bonds to fund infrastructure and transportation projects in undeveloped and blighted areas. It would also prohibit counties that issue bonds for such purposes from pledging more than 65% of the increase in ad valorem tax revenues to repay the bonds.
PROPOSITION 3
What it says: “The constitutional amendment to prohibit this state or a political subdivision of this state from prohibiting or limiting religious services of religious organizations.”
What it means: Proposition 3 would amend Article 1 of the Texas constitution by adding a new section prohibiting the state or any political subdivision from enacting a law, rule, order, or proclamation that limits religious services or organizations. Arguments against this amendment cite COVID as one valid reason to suspend religious services. Approving this proposition would prevent authorities from banning this type of events even during a worldwide pandemic.
PROPOSITION 4
What it says: “The constitutional amendment changing the eligibility requirements for a justice of the Supreme Court, a judge of the court of criminal appeals, a justice of a court of appeals, and a district judge.”
What it means: The amendment would change the eligibility requirements for the following judicial offices: a justice of the Supreme Court, a judge of the court of criminal appeals, a justice of a court of appeals, and a district judge. In most cases, it will double the years of legal experience required to serve as a judge.
PROPOSITION 5
What it says: “The constitutional amendment providing additional powers to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct with respect to candidates for judicial office.”
What it means: This proposition authorizes the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct to accept and investigate complaints and reports against candidates running for state judicial office. This would ensure that judicial elections are fair by granting the State Commission on Judicial Conduct the authority to enforce the same
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standards for judicial candidates that they do for sitting judges.
PROPOSITION 6
What it says: “The constitutional amendment establishing a right for residents of certain facilities to designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation.”
What it means: The amendment would allow residents of nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, or state-supported living centers to designate an essential caregiver that may not be prohibited from visiting the resident, even during a pandemic.
PROPOSITION 7
What it says: “The constitutional amendment to allow the surviving spouse of a person who is disabled to receive a limitation on the school district ad valorem taxes on the spouse’s residence homestead if the spouse is 55 years of age or older at the time of the person’s death.”
What it means: Currently, disabled individuals may apply for a $10,000 homestead tax exemption and a limit on school district property taxes. Proposition 7 would amend the Texas Constitution to allow the legislature to extend a homestead tax limit for surviving spouses of disabled individuals as long as the spouse is over 55 years old and resides at the home.
PROPOSITION 8
What it says: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a member of the armed services of the United States who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.”
What it means: Similar to proposition 7, this measure would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize a total residence homestead property tax exemption for a surviving spouse of a member of the armed services “who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.” Currently, the constitution grants the exemption only to the surviving spouse of a member of the armed services “who is killed in action.”
For questions on any of these amendments, you may contact your State Representatives - Tan Parker, District 63, at 972.724.8477 or Dr. Lynn Stucky, District 64, at 940.243.0230.
by Jean Eisenmann | photography by Miranda Longoria Photography
Argyle has a lot to offer residents who call this town home. Citizens take pride in the neighborhoods, exceptional public and private schools, and thriving businesses. The growing number of families residing in Argyle are proud of this town’s accomplishments and values. The community prides itself on pursuing excellence and raising future leaders.
Dr. Dyer and his family
940.240.5400 | ArgyleBraces.com
101 Old Town Blvd. S., Ste. 103 Argyle, TX 76226 Argyle’s youth are succeeding both academically and in the arena of extracurricular activities, such as taking home state championships in sports and excelling in the arts.
“Just as our community’s adults and children alike strive for excellence in everything they do, we at Argyle Orthodontics are committed to providing excellence in orthodontics,” owner Dr. David Dyer affirmed. “Much like our local athletes, we value preparation, dedication, hard work, consistency, and all the virtues that make their victories a reality. We apply those same principles as we help our patients achieve their own brand of victory – that of healthy, beautiful smiles.”
A champion attains victory by setting admirable goals, overcoming challenges, and achieving outstanding results.
Dr. Dyer is a true champion for bright, stunning smiles. “My staff and I are dedicated to achieving our goal of giving you that superstar smile,” Dr. Dyer explained. “Our many patients who have achieved excellence understand that time, effort, and commitment are required to reach victory and become champions. In
starting from the left photo of Riley Van Poppel, Josh Dyer, Cullen Davee, Dr. David Dyer and Drew Van Wyk
much the same way, we have the skills and motivation to work diligently with each patient over the course of their treatment until the goal of a winning smile is realized!”
Dr. Dyer himself is a champion. After graduating from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School, he joined the Navy, serving military members and their families as a general dentist and orthodontist. Thirteen years of activeduty service later and having earned the rank of lieutenant commander, Dr. Dyer concluded his naval career and the Dyer family returned to Argyle.
“My father had been an orthodontist in Argyle before he retired,” he mentioned. “He’s responsible for sparking my interest in pursuing my life’s work. My dad always loved what he did, and I’m really thankful to have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives through orthodontics, too.” Everyone loves and admires a champion, and the community of Argyle is no exception. It takes time and effort to excel, and the journey toward that goal should be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Argyle Orthodontics gives patients “podium finishes,” while building relationships with them and their families.
“Many times, families return with younger siblings, and often even the parents themselves come back for treatment with Invisalign, TMJ therapy, or whatever is needed to address their own orthodontic needs,” Dr. Dyer expressed.
Argyle Orthodontics has an impressive roster of patients who have earned championship accomplishments in nearly every sport, as well as band, academics, and more.
“So many of our patients have been part of state championship teams,” Dr. Dyer acknowledged. “We value the accomplishments each one has
made, and we always look forward to talking with them about their achievements during their orthodontic appointments. We’re a part of their lives, and we celebrate their victories and successes with them.”
The significance of being a champion is not something exclusive to Dr. Dyer’s practice. It’s meaningful to the whole Dyer family.
“Both our son, Josh, who’s 12, and our 2½-year old daughter, Sophia, already are sports fanatics. In youth sports, Josh has tasted the thrill of championship victory in both soccer and basketball,” Dr. Dyer reflected with pride. “Sophia puts on her biggest smile when she has climbed to the top of a big rock on her own.”
Their dog’s name? You guessed it… Champion (aka “Champ”)!
“I’m committed to making a positive impact on the community where I live and work. We are blessed to be an Argyle family serving other Argyle families,” he added.
Dr. Dyer and his staff are dedicated to creating outstanding smiles for every patient.
“A Champion Smile,” Dr. Dyer remarked. “We hope our former, current, and future patients are (and will be) proud to show their smile to the world from the top of a podium – whether it’s in academics, arts, sports, or in daily life. Our patients have the confidence to enter any venue and shine – like a champion!
“This is a good opportunity to showcase just a few of our champions,” Dr. Dyer said.
Cullen Davee
2021 Texas UIL 5A State Wrestling Champion, after having had an undefeated senior season
Riley Van Poppel
Integral part of Argyle’s dominant football team that went undefeated and won the 4A State Championship
Drew Van Wyk
Won 4A District Champion in doubles tennis; regional runner-up and a state qualifier
