Texas only state to have had seven constitutions

Wentworth, Jeff
La Prensa de San Antonio
10-21-2001
Texas only state to have had seven constitutions

Texas is the only state to have been governed by two constitutions before
it joined the union, and five after becoming a state.

The state's multi-constitutional experience ended in 1876 when Texans
adopted a constitution that has lasted 125 years, but which has required
390 amendments to ensure its viability.

On November 6 and during the early voting period that begins October 22,
Texans will vote on another 19 proposed amendments, which were first
approved by a two-thirds vote of both the Texas Senate and House of
Representatives.

This, the last in my series on the propositions, begins with Proposition
14. It would authorize a taxing unit other than a school district to exempt
travel trailers from ad valorem taxes unless they are used for business
purposes.

Supporters say Texas is one of the few states that taxes travel trailers.
Opponents argue that any tax exemption erodes the property tax base of
local government entities, resulting in higher taxes for property owners.
Proposition 15 would create the Texas Mobility Fund as a separate state
fund with the money used to finance highway reconstruction, expansion and
funding public toll roads.

Supporters argue that population growth and increased traffic as the result
of NAFTA have created a state transportation crisis, resulting in
drive-time delays that are 200 percent longer than they were 18 years ago.
Opponents claim bonds do not create new money, they only delay the time
when payments are due.

Proposition 16 would decrease from 12 to five days the time that must
elapse before a homeowner may execute a contract for improvements to a
homestead in order for a lien to be attached.

Proponents claim that the proposed amendment would permit home improvement
work to be completed in a timely manner. Those against argue that the
12-day period is appropriate.

Proposition 17 would authorize the legislature to settle land title
disputes between the state and a private party. Proponents point out that
the General Land Office has approximately 1,000 unresolved claims involving
permanent school fund land. Opponents want title disputes decided by voters
and the legislature on a case-by-case basis, as it is being decided in this
election by Proposition 1.

Proposition 18 would require uniformity in the collection, deposit,
reporting and remitting of civil and criminal fees. Supporters say that
required uniformity would be time and cost effective. Opponents claim that
the solution is to enact legislation to streamline procedures and that a
constitutional amendment is unnecessary.

Proposition 19 would allow the Texas Water Development Board to issue up to
$2 billion in general obligation bonds. Supporters argue that an adequate
and clean water supply is essential for the social and economic growth of
Texas. Opponents claim that the water development board still has $490
million in bond authorization, a sufficient amount until the next
legislative session.

I hope this series has provided some insight into the proposed amendments.
A more detailed analysis is available on the Internet at
www.sos.state.tx.us and at www.capitol.state.tx.us. (Click on House
Research Organization and then on Constitutional Amendments.)

Booklets on the proposed amendments may be obtained from my capitol office
by calling toll-free 1-888-824-6984.

Article copyright La Prensa de San Antonio.

Article copyright La Prensa de San Antonio.
V.XII