Constitutional amendment Proposition 4 makes it harder to pass a state income tax in Texas
ABILENE, Texas — Early voting for the November elections start on Monday.
There are 10 constitutional amendments on the ballot, and one of those constitutional amendments has to do with a state income tax in Texas.
Proposition 4 would make it tougher for lawmakers to approve a state income tax in Texas, but the wording is a little confusing.
If people hate taxes, there is one proposed constitutional amendment that they will want to pay close attention to when they head to the polls.
"It's worded confusing," said Dr. Paul Fabrizio, a Professor of Political Science at McMurry University. "I'll just start by saying that."
Proposition 4 states that "the constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual income tax, including a tax on an individual's share of partnership and unincorporated association income."
Fabrizio said that Proposition 4 is not voting for a state income tax in Texas, but rather making it harder for state legislators to approve one.
"Instead of a majority vote, you need two-thirds of the house and the senate to approve it, then it goes to the people," Fabrizio said.
If the amendment passes, it would require 67 percent approval in both the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate to approve a state income tax in Texas instead of a 50 percent plus one majority.
"If you are in favor of making it harder to have an income tax, vote for. If you like the way things are today, vote against," said Fabrizio.
Texas is one of just nine states in the United States without a state income tax.
