texas propositions 15 & 16
Propositions 15 & 16: Politics Dressed Up as Protection —Two redundant amendments, one dangerous pattern.
Texans are being told that Proposition 15 protects parental rights and Proposition 16 safeguards election integrity. In reality, both rights are already firmly established in Texas law and the Texas Constitution.
Parental authority is spelled out in detail in the Texas Family Code (§151.001), which grants parents the right to direct their child’s care, education, and moral and religious training. Texas courts have also interpreted Article I, Section 19 of the state constitution — our due process clause — as protecting that same parental liberty interest.
So what do these amendments really do? They repeat what’s already true — while creating new ways to politicize schools, courts, and elections. Prop 15 invites constitutional lawsuits over classroom and library decisions. Prop 16 repeats a rule already in law but could open the door to stricter voter-ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements.
📖 Read the full text of of SJR 34 (Prop 15): 89(R) SJR 34- Enrolled version
📖 Read the enabling legislation (SB 5): 89(R) SJR 37 - Enrolled version
📑 Read the Senate Research Center’s Bill Analysis
👉 Wondering why Texas lawmakers are trying to “protect” rights that already exist — and what they might really be trying to accomplish? Read our full breakdown on Substack to see how Props 15 and 16 use familiar language to advance a political agenda.
Continue reading on Substack → Politics Dressed Up as Protection: Why Props 15 and 16 Deserve a “NO” Vote