Texans to Vote on 17 Constitutional Amendments, with Historic Homestead Exemption in Spotlight
AUSTIN, TX — On November 4, Texas voters will face a marathon ballot featuring 17 proposed amendments to the state’s constitution, a document that has seen over 500 revisions since 1876. Secretary of State Jane Nelson, who oversaw the ballot order draw, urged Texans to seize this chance to “make your voice heard about the governing document of our state.” From tax relief to judicial reform, these propositions reflect a conservative vision of limited government, economic liberty, and state sovereignty. But one measure, Proposition 13, stands out as a landmark effort to deliver substantial property tax relief to homeowners—a cornerstone issue for Texans grappling with rising costs in a state without an income tax.
Proposition 13: A Game-Changer for Homeowners
At the heart of this constitutional lineup is Proposition 13 (SJR 2), which would raise the homestead exemption for school district property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000, with an even higher $150,000 exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners. Paired with a tax rate compression in Senate Bill 1, this measure promises an average savings of $496.57 for homeowners, according to Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), the bill’s author. In a unanimous vote, the Texas Senate signaled its commitment to easing the property tax burden, a perennial concern for Texans facing skyrocketing appraisals.
For many, Proposition 13 is a lifeline. Bettencourt noted that 80 to 90% of Texas seniors could pay zero school district property taxes under this plan, as would average homeowners in 49% of Texas school districts where home values fall below $140,000. This is no small feat in a state where property taxes fund much of public education. To address concerns about local revenue losses, Bettencourt emphasized that the state would reimburse school districts, ensuring they remain fully funded. “Today, the Texas Senate delivered a win for homeowners statewide,” he declared, framing the measure as a victory for taxpayers without sacrificing educational quality.
Yet, some lawmakers raised red flags during Senate debates, warning that local taxing entities—cities, counties, and special districts—might offset these savings by raising their own rates. This tension underscores a broader challenge: balancing tax relief with the fiscal needs of local governments. For constitutional conservatives, Proposition 13 embodies the principle that government should prioritize returning money to citizens, but voters must weigh whether the state’s reimbursement plan can prevent local tax hikes that could erode the promised relief.
A Broader Conservative Agenda
While Proposition 13 takes center stage, the remaining 16 amendments advance a robust conservative agenda. Proposition 2 (SJR 18) bans taxes on capital gains—realized or unrealized—protecting wealth creation from state overreach. Proposition 6 (HJR 4) shields securities transactions from occupational or transactional taxes, bolstering financial markets. Proposition 8 (HJR 2) prohibits death taxes on estates or inheritances, ensuring families keep more of their legacy.
Other tax relief measures include Proposition 5 (HJR 99), exempting animal feed held for retail from ad valorem taxes, and Proposition 9 (HJR 1), which extends similar exemptions to income-producing personal property. Proposition 7 (HJR 133) offers tax breaks for surviving spouses of veterans with presumed service-connected conditions, while Proposition 10 (SJR 84) provides temporary exemptions for homestead improvements destroyed by fire. Proposition 11 (SJR 85) further boosts exemptions for elderly and disabled homeowners, complementing Proposition 13’s focus on homestead relief.
Infrastructure and education also feature prominently. Proposition 1 (SJR 59) creates a permanent fund for the Texas State Technical College System, supporting trade programs vital to Texas’ economy. Proposition 4 (HJR 7) dedicates sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund, addressing water scarcity in a growing state. Proposition 14 (SJR 3) establishes a $3 billion Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, though its hefty price tag raises questions about fiscal priorities.
Safety, Sovereignty, and Civic Values
Public safety and border security are addressed in Proposition 3 (SJR 5), which mandates bail denial for certain felony offenses, and Proposition 17 (HJR 34), which offers tax exemptions for border security infrastructure in counties along the U.S.-Mexico border. Both align with conservative priorities of law and order and state sovereignty, though the latter’s vague definition of “infrastructure” warrants scrutiny.
Cultural and civic concerns shine through in Proposition 15 (SJR 34), affirming parents as the primary decision-makers for their children—a rebuke to institutional overreach in schools and healthcare. Proposition 16 (SJR 37) clarifies that only U.S. citizens may vote, reinforcing election integrity amid national debates. Proposition 12 (SJR 27) reforms the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, enhancing accountability for judicial misconduct, a move conservatives will welcome as a check on judicial power.
With early voting from October 20-31 and a registration deadline of October 6, Texans must act swiftly to study these amendments. Detailed information is available at VoteTexas.gov. Proposition 13, with its promise of historic tax relief, may dominate headlines, but the full slate demands careful consideration. Each amendment shapes the delicate balance between individual liberty and public needs, a balance constitutional conservatives hold dear.
As Texas voters head to the polls, they carry the weight of self-governance. In a state fiercely proud of its independence, this election is a chance to reaffirm principles of limited government and personal freedom—nowhere more so than in Proposition 13, which could redefine the financial burdens of homeownership for millions. The question is whether Texans will embrace this vision or demand greater clarity on its long-term impacts.
Texas Senate Primaries Show Early Leads for Crockett and Paxton
AUSTIN, Texas – A new poll released by The Texas Tribune indicates that Jasmine Crockett and Ken Paxton are leading their respective primary races for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas. The survey, published on February 9, 2026, highlights the early momentum for both candidates as they vie for their party nominations in a closely watched election cycle. The results point to strong voter recognition and support for Crockett in the Democratic primary and Paxton in the Republican primary.
The poll, conducted among likely primary voters across the state, shows Crockett holding a significant lead over her Democratic challenger James Talarico, while Paxton maintains a commanding position among Republican contenders John Cornyn & Wesley Hunt.
According to the poll, Ken Paxton leads with 38 percent of likely GOP primary voters, pulling ahead of incumbent John Cornyn, who trails at 31 percent, while Wesley Hunt remains a distant third at 17 percent. The survey indicates Paxton would hold a commanding advantage in a runoff scenario and currently outperforms Cornyn across nearly every key Republican demographic group, with Latino voters the lone exception, where Cornyn maintains a seven-point edge.
Among Democrats, the poll shows Jasmine Crockett opening a notable lead, capturing 47 percent of likely primary voters compared to 39 percent for James Talarico—a meaningful shift from earlier polling that had Talarico in the lead. While still early, the numbers suggest momentum is consolidating ahead of primaries that will determine the general election matchups.
Jasmine Crockett, a sitting U.S. Representative whose district lines were redrawn out from under her, has responded to political extinction with a desperate lurch toward the U.S. Senate. Her campaign, widely criticized as race-baiting and grievance-driven, has leaned heavily on inflaming urban Democratic turnout while cloaking thin policy substance in fashionable slogans about healthcare and “equity.”
By contrast, Ken Paxton enters the race with a long, battle-tested record as Texas Attorney General, earning fierce loyalty from conservatives for his aggressive defense of state sovereignty, constitutional limits, and successful legal challenges to federal overreach. Though relentlessly targeted by opponents, Paxton’s tenure reflects durability, clarity of purpose, and an unapologetic alignment with the voters he represents—qualities that define his standing in the contest.
The Texas U.S. Senate race draws national attention, as the state remains a critical battleground in determining the balance of power in Congress. With incumbent dynamics and shifting voter demographics at play, the primary outcomes will set the stage for a potentially contentious general election. The Texas Tribune poll serves as an initial benchmark, though voter sentiment could evolve as campaigns intensify and debates unfold in the coming weeks.
Councilman Mark Harper walks out of meeting before adjournment.
FATE, TX – The Fate City Council voted late Monday night to waive deliberative privilege, opening the door to the public release of secret audio recordings that may have driven a recall election against Councilwoman Codi Chinn. The decision came after hours of public criticism, procedural friction, and a lengthy executive session with legal counsel.
The meeting, held Monday, February 2, was streamed live by the city and is available on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/live/zQVN0i-d8C0 (Embedded Below)
(Source: City of Fate, official meeting broadcast)
Timeline for Readers
- 00:33:52 – Public comments begin, largely focused on the recall election of Councilwoman Codi Chinn.
- 00:56:10 – Councilman Harper interrupts public Comment.
- 00:57:00 – Councilman Harper interrupts public Comment.
- 00:58:00 – Councilman Harper interrupts public Comment.
- 02:21:00 – Executive Session – Council enters closed session to consult with legal counsel.
- 03:22:52 – Council reconvenes in open session.
- Primary motion – Council votes to “waive deliberative privilege”, allowing release of disputed audio recordings.
Public Comment and Visible Strain
Public comments began just after the 33 minute mark and quickly centered on the recall election. Speaker after speaker questioned the conduct of city officials and demanded transparency regarding audio recordings that have circulated privately but remained unavailable to the public.
During one speaker’s remarks, critical of Councilwoman Chinn, procedural tension became visible. Three separate times, Councilman Mark Harper interrupted to remind Mayor Andrew Greenberg that the speaker had exceeded the three-minute time limit. Each time, Mayor Greenberg thanked Harper for the reminder, then directed the speaker to continue.
The exchange stood out. While council rules clearly limit speakers to three minutes, the mayor’s repeated decision to allow the speaker to proceed suggested an effort to avoid the appearance of silencing criticism during a highly charged meeting.
Clarifying the Recordings
Contrary to some early assumptions, the audio recordings at issue were not recordings of executive sessions. Instead, they are one-party consent recordings, the existence of which has been previously reported and alluded to on Pipkins Reports. Their precise origin has not been publicly detailed, but their contents have been referenced repeatedly by both supporters and critics of the recall effort.
Behind Closed Doors
Following the public meeting, the council entered executive session to consult with legal counsel. After about an hour, members returned to open session at approximately 3:22:52 .
The primary motion coming out of that session was to “waive deliberative privilege“. The effect of the vote was to remove a legal obstacle to releasing the secret audio recordings that have been at the center of the controversy.
No excerpts were played, and no conclusions were announced. The council did not rule on the legality of the recordings, nor did it weigh in on the merits of the recall election itself.
Why the Vote Matters
The decision does not resolve the recall of Councilwoman Chinn. It does not validate or refute claims made by either side. What it does is shift the debate away from rumor and secondhand accounts.
According to guidance from the Texas Municipal League, governing bodies may waive certain privileges when transparency is deemed to serve the public interest, particularly when litigation risk is balanced against public trust (Texas Municipal League, Open Meetings Act resources).
Opinion and Perspective
The council’s action was a necessary step. Secret recordings, selectively referenced and strategically leaked, undermine confidence in local government. So does a refusal to confront them directly.
Transparency is not about protecting officials from embarrassment. It is NOT the job of the council to assist the city in concealing information that may be used against it in legal proceedings when the City Manager, or Councilmen, may have done bad things. It is about protecting citizens from manipulation. If the recordings exonerate those involved, their release will restore credibility. If they raise concerns, voters deserve to hear them unfiltered before making decisions in a recall election.
Monday night in Fate did not end the controversy. It ended the excuse for keeping the public in the dark.
ROCKWALL, TX — Texas State Sen. Bob Hall appeared before voters at Rockwall County’s Final Friday Night Forum, on Friday. The appearance renewed online criticism from supporters of his primary challenger which brought attention back to a decades-old allegation from a former marriage and also to social-media comments allegidily attributed to Hall’s wife.
The renewed discussion did not stem from new legal filings, court actions, or investigative reporting. Instead, it followed social-media posts by individuals publicly supporting Hall’s opponent, Jason Eddington, including Fate City Councilwoman Codi Chinn, whose sharply worded statements have drawn attention for both their substance and tone.
The Forum and the Race
The forum was hosted by Blue Ribbon News in partnership with the Rockwall County Republican Party, and held at the Rockwall County Courthouse. It marked the final event in a series intended to give Republican voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates ahead of the March primary.
Other candidates in attendance included:
- Rockwall County Judge
- Frank New
- Scott Muckensturm
- County Commissioner, Precinct 4
- John Stacy
- James Branch
- Lorne Megyesi
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
- Victor Carrillo
- Chris Florance
Pipkins Reports could find no official transcript or video of the forum. According to available coverage, the event proceeded without public discussion of personal controversies, and no candidate addressed the matter from the stage.
Background on the Allegations
The most damaging allegations currently being recirculated date back to divorce proceedings in Florida in the early 1990s, during which Hall’s former wife, Jane Hall, made claims in court filings alleging physical, verbal, and sexual abuse during their marriage.
The allegations, raised during a contested divorce, as they often do. Bob Hall has denied the allegations. No criminal charges were filed. No court ruled against Hall or issued a finding of abuse. The filings did not result in convictions, injunctions, or adverse judgments.
The allegations became publicly discussed during Hall’s first Senate campaign in 2014 and have resurfaced intermittently during contested elections. Their latest reappearance coincides with the current Republican primary and has been driven by individuals openly advocating for Hall’s opponent.
Explicit Attribution and Political Context
Following the January 30 forum, Fate City Councilwoman Codi Chinn, who has publicly endorsed Jason Eddington, posted a statement on social media criticizing Hall and urging Republican voters to support Eddington.
In her post, Chinn wrote:
“Senator Bob Hall I expect you will be making a statement issuing an apology on behalf of your wife for body shaming a woman simply because you don’t ideologically agree with her. These comments are shameful and your silence is deafening. Being Republican shouldn’t mean being small minded. I hope Republican Primary voters will pick the true Conservative Jason Eddington, Candidate for Texas Senate, District 2!”
Critics of Chinn, including some local Republican activists, say the post reflects what they describe as a pattern of caustic and confrontational rhetoric directed at individuals she opposes politically. It’s ironic that Chinn requests accountability for language of others, while she herself asks for forgiveness of her digressions in her bid to not be recalled. Supporters of Chinn, by contrast, characterize her comments as blunt advocacy and a willingness to publicly challenge those with whom she disagrees.
Amplification by a Political Social Media Page
On January 31 at 10:57 p.m., the Facebook page Rockwall County News First published a post calling on the Rockwall County Republican Party to condemn comments attributed to Hall’s wife. The page credited Codi Crimson Chinn as the source of screenshots included in the post.
The post stated:
“We hope that Rockwall County Republican Party will join us in condemning Senator Bob Hall’s wife in her comments.”
The screenshots included in the post purport to show comments written by Kay Hall, Senator Hall’s wife. The screenshots have not been independently authenticated by this publication. According to the screenshots, the comments attributed to Kay Hall read:
“Oh, yes, so disgusting to see Jill get up an speak. She and all of the TFRW little people are in their element. Wish I had recorded her speech, or even more wish I had stood up in the room to tell everyone how she got the Democrats to vote for her in the election. The pictures are very flattering to her because she has gained weight and really looked aged. I am sitting across from Bob near the podium. too, close!!!”
As of publication, neither Senator Hall nor his wife has publicly confirmed the authenticity of the screenshots or issued a statement regarding the comments.
Hall’s Position and Current Status
Hall has not publicly addressed the social-media posts and did not respond to our request for comment. He has previously stated, during earlier campaigns, that efforts to revive allegations from his former marriage are politically motivated and unrelated to any legal findings or his conduct in office.
Hall is currently married to Sarah Kay Smith Hall, with whom he has three children. There are no legal actions or criminal allegations involving his current marriage. The current controversy centers on online posts circulated by political opponents and their supporters.
Conclusion
The Final Friday Night Forum was intended to focus voter attention on policy differences among Republican candidates. In the days following the event, however, the race shifted toward personal disputes fueled by online posts from supporters of Hall’s challenger, including commentary that some observers describe as emblematic of an increasingly sharp-edged political style.
As the March primary approaches, voters in Senate District 2 must weigh not only policy and legislative records, but also the motivations and methods used by campaigns and their advocates. Whether the renewed criticism is viewed as relevant scrutiny or as opposition-driven escalation remains a question for the electorate to decide.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login