Amending Texas’ Constitution, understanding the 2023 ballot PROPOSITIONS 13 AND 14
Early voting begins Oct. 23 and the Navasota Examiner will publish the 14 proposed Constitutional amendments over the next seven weeks. The Condensed Analyses of Proposed Constitutional Amendments, 88th Legislative Session for the Nov. 7, 2023, Election is published by the Texas Legislative Council and available at: https://www.tlc.texas. gov/docs/amendments/ analyses23_condensed. pdf. A detailed analysis is available at: https://tlc.texas. gov/docs/amendments/ analyses23.pdf.
Summary of Comments The following comments supporting or opposing the proposed constitutional amendment reflect positions that were presented in committee proceedings, during house or senate floor debate, or in the analysis of the resolution prepared by the House Research Organization (HRO) when the resolution was considered by the House of Representatives.
Proposition 13 (H.J.R. 107) The constitutional amendment to increase the mandatory age of retirement for state justices and judges.
Summary Analysis
The proposed amendment amends Section 1-a(1), Article V, Texas Constitution, to increase the mandatory age of retirement of state justices and judges from 75 to 79 years unless the legislature sets a lower mandatory retirement age. The proposed amendment also increases the lowest age the legislature may prescribe from 70 to 75 years of age.
Comments by Supporters • Because people are living and working longer than in decades past, it is appropriate to allow judges and justices to serve beyond the current mandatory retirement age of 75.
• Increasing the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices will allow experienced and competent public servants who are willing to continue to serve.
• Allowing judges and justices to serve longer could decrease turnover and ensure a more predictable and stable judicial system.
• Since judges and justices in Texas are elected, any issues with the performance of a particular judge or justice can be addressed by the electorate.
Comments by Opponents No opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment was expressed during legislative consideration of the proposal.
Proposition 14 (S.J.R. 74) The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks.
Summary Analysis
S.J.R. 74, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, proposes the addition of Section 49-e-1, Article III, Texas Constitution, to provide for the creation of the centennial parks conservation fund to be used for the creation and improvement of state parks.
Comments by Supporters • Establishing a dedicated state fund for the purchase of land to develop new state parks would provide a stable and longterm funding source that will empower the state to protect Texas’ unique natural resources and cultural history while making them accessible to our growing population.
• S.J.R. 74 would afford voters the opportunity to ensure that Texans and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the beauty of Texas’ parks for generations to come.
• Texas has lower park acreage per capita than many other states, and visitation to Texas’ parks has grown significantly in recent years.
• The current state park system is strained by user demand, with the vast majority of sites requiring reservations months in advance.
• The fund created by the proposed amendment would enable the state to purchase land for the development of new parks before land becomes more costly.
• State parks are a driver of economic activity and provide recreational, educational, and conservation opportunities.
Comments by Opponents No opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment was expressed during legislative consideration of the proposal.