FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Tex. Const. art. 15, § 3 — Article 15 / Section 3
Texas Constitution Article 15, Section 3
Status: in_force

IMPARTIAL TRIAL BY SENATE; CONCURRENCE OF TWO-THIRDS REQUIRED. When the Senate is sitting as a Court of Impeachment, the Senators shall be on oath, or affirmation impartially to try the party impeached, and no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senators present. (Feb. 15, 1876.)
Tex. Const. art. 4, § 8 — Article 4 / Section 8
Texas Constitution Article 4, Section 8
Status: in_force

CONVENING LEGISLATURE ON EXTRAORDINARY OCCASIONS. (a) The Governor may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the Legislature at the seat of Government, or at a different place, in case that should be in possession of the public enemy or in case of the prevalence of disease threat. His proclamation therefor shall state specifically the purpose for which the Legislature is convened. (b) The Governor shall convene the Legislature in special session to appoint presidential electors if the Governor determines that a reasonable likelihood exists that a final determination of the appointment of electors will not occur before the deadline prescribed by law to ascertain a conclusive determination of the appointment. The Legislature may not consider any subject other than the appointment of electors at that special session. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 6, 2001.)
Tex. Const. art. 3, § 53 — Article 3 / Section 53
Texas Constitution Article 3, Section 53
Status: in_force

PAYMENT OF EXTRA COMPENSATION OR UNAUTHORIZED CLAIMS PROHIBITED. The Legislature shall have no power to grant, or to authorize any county or municipal authority to grant, any extra compensation, fee or allowance to a public officer, agent, servant or contractor, after service has been rendered, or a contract has been entered into, and performed in whole or in part; nor pay, nor authorize the payment of, any claim created against any county or municipality of the State, under any agreement or contract, made without authority of law. (Feb. 15, 1876.)
Tex. Const. art. 12, § 7 — Article 12 / Section 7
Texas Constitution Article 12, Section 7
Status: in_force

(Repealed Aug. 5, 1969.)
Tex. Const. art. 7, § 15 — Article 7 / Section 15
Texas Constitution Article 7, Section 15
Status: in_force

GRANT OF ADDITIONAL LANDS TO UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS. In addition to the lands heretofore granted to the University of Texas, there is hereby set apart, and appropriated, for the endowment maintenance, and support of said University and its branches, one million acres of the unappropriated public domain of the State, to be designated, and surveyed as may be provided by law; and said lands shall be sold under the same regulations, and the proceeds invested in the same manner, as is provided for the sale and investment of the permanent University Fund; and the Legislature shall not have power to grant any relief to the purchasers of said lands. (Feb. 15, 1876.)
Tex. Const. art. 3, § 52h — Article 3 / Section 52h
Texas Constitution Article 3, Section 52h
Status: in_force

DONATIONS BY MUNICIPALITIES OF OUTDATED OR SURPLUS FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT TO UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRIES. A municipality may donate to an underdeveloped country outdated or surplus equipment, supplies, or other materials used in fighting fires. (Added Nov. 6, 2001.)
Tex. Const. art. 5, § 19 — Article 5 / Section 19
Texas Constitution Article 5, Section 19
Status: in_force

JURISDICTION OF JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURTS; EX OFFICIO NOTARIES PUBLIC. Justice of the peace courts shall have original jurisdiction in criminal matters of misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only, exclusive jurisdiction in civil matters where the amount in controversy is two hundred dollars or less, and such other jurisdiction as may be provided by law. Justices of the peace shall be ex officio notaries public. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 7, 1978, and Nov. 5, 1985.)
Tex. Const. art. 12, § 6 — Article 12 / Section 6
Texas Constitution Article 12, Section 6
Status: in_force

(Repealed Nov. 2, 1993.)
Tex. Const. art. 4, § 5 — Article 4 / Section 5
Texas Constitution Article 4, Section 5
Status: in_force

COMPENSATION OF GOVERNOR. The Governor shall, at stated times, receive as compensation for his services an annual salary in an amount to be fixed by the Legislature, and shall have the use and occupation of the Governor's Mansion, fixtures and furniture. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 3, 1936, and Nov. 2, 1954.)
Tex. Const. art. 7, § 19 — Article 7 / Section 19
Texas Constitution Article 7, Section 19
Status: in_force

TEXAS TOMORROW FUND. (a) The Texas tomorrow fund is created as a trust fund dedicated to the prepayment of tuition and fees for higher education as provided by the general laws of this state for the prepaid higher education tuition program. The assets of the fund are held in trust for the benefit of participants and beneficiaries and may not be diverted. The state shall hold the assets of the fund for the exclusive purposes of providing benefits to participants and beneficiaries and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the program. (b) Financing of benefits must be based on sound actuarial principles. The amount contributed by a person participating in the prepaid higher education program shall be as provided by the general laws of this state, but may not be less than the amount anticipated for tuition and required fees based on sound actuarial principles. If in any fiscal year there is not enough money in the Texas tomorrow fund to pay the tuition and required fees of an institution of higher education in which a beneficiary enrolls or the appropriate portion of the tuition and required fees of a private or independent institution of higher education in which a beneficiary enrolls as provided by a prepaid tuition contract, there is appropriated out of the first money coming into the state treasury in each fiscal year not otherwise appropriated by the constitution the amount that is sufficient to pay the applicable amount of tuition and required fees of the institution. (c) Assets of the fund may be invested by an entity designated by general law in securities considered prudent investments. Investments shall be made in the exercise of judgment and care under the circumstances that a person of ordinary prudence, discretion, and intelligence exercises in the management of the person's affairs, not for speculation, but for the permanent disposition of funds, considering the probable income from the disposition as well as the probable safety of capital. (d) The state comptroller of public accounts shall take the actions necessary to implement this section. (e) To the extent this section conflicts with any other provision of this constitution, this section controls. (Added Nov. 4, 1997.)
Tex. Const. art. 3, § 26a — Article 3 / Section 26a
Texas Constitution Article 3, Section 26a
Status: in_force

(Repealed Nov. 2, 1999.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISIONS for Sec. 26a: See Appendix, Note 1.)
Tex. Const. art. 16, § 73 — Article 16 / Section 73
Texas Constitution Article 16, Section 73
Status: in_force

VETERANS HOSPITALS. The state may contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veterans hospitals in this state. (Added Nov. 3, 2009.)
Tex. Const. art. 3, § 48c — Article 3 / Section 48c
Texas Constitution Article 3, Section 48c
Status: in_force

(Blank.) Sec. 48-d. (Repealed Sept. 13, 2003.) Sec. 48-e. EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICTS. Laws may be enacted to provide for the establishment and creation of special districts to provide emergency services and to authorize the commissioners courts of participating counties to levy a tax on the ad valorem property situated in said districts not to exceed Ten Cents (10Â¢) on the One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) valuation for the support thereof; provided that no tax shall be levied in support of said districts until approved by a vote of the qualified voters residing therein. Such a district may provide emergency medical services, emergency ambulance services, rural fire prevention and control services, or other emergency services authorized by the Legislature. (Added Nov. 3, 1987; amended Nov. 2, 1999.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISIONS for Sec. 48-e: See Appendix, Note 1.) Sec. 48-f. JAIL DISTRICTS. The legislature, by law, may provide for the creation, operation, and financing of jail districts and may authorize each district to issue bonds and other obligations and to levy an ad valorem tax on property located in the district to pay principal of and interest on the bonds and to pay for operation of the district. An ad valorem tax may not be levied and bonds secured by a property tax may not be issued until approved by the qualified voters of the district voting at an election called and held for that purpose. (Added Nov. 3, 1987; amended Nov. 4, 1997, and Nov. 2, 1999.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISIONS for Sec. 48-f: See Appendix, Note 1.)
Tex. Const. art. 16, § 35 — Article 16 / Section 35
Texas Constitution Article 16, Section 35
Status: in_force

(Repealed Aug. 5, 1969.)
Tex. Const. art. 11, § 13 — Article 11 / Section 13
Texas Constitution Article 11, Section 13
Status: in_force

CLASSIFICATION OF MUNICIPAL FUNCTIONS. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this constitution, the legislature may by law define for all purposes those functions of a municipality that are to be considered governmental and those that are proprietary, including reclassifying a function's classification assigned under prior statute or common law. (b) This section applies to laws enacted by the 70th Legislature, Regular Session, 1987, and to all subsequent regular or special sessions of the legislature. (Added Nov. 3, 1987.)
Tex. Const. art. 4, § 4 — Article 4 / Section 4
Texas Constitution Article 4, Section 4
Status: in_force

INSTALLATION OF GOVERNOR; TERM; ELIGIBILITY. The Governor elected at the general election in 1974, and thereafter, shall be installed on the first Tuesday after the organization of the Legislature, or as soon thereafter as practicable, and shall hold his office for the term of four years, or until his successor shall be duly installed. He shall be at least thirty years of age, a citizen of the United States, and shall have resided in this State at least five years immediately preceding his election. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 7, 1972.)
Tex. Const. art. 8, § 6 — Article 8 / Section 6
Texas Constitution Article 8, Section 6
Status: in_force

WITHDRAWAL OF MONEY FROM TREASURY; DURATION OF APPROPRIATION. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in pursuance of specific appropriations made by law; nor shall any appropriation of money be made for a longer term than two years. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 2, 1999.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISIONS for Sec. 6: See Appendix, Note 1.)
Tex. Const. art. 4, § 18 — Article 4 / Section 18
Texas Constitution Article 4, Section 18
Status: in_force

RESTRICTIONS AND INHIBITIONS APPLICABLE TO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OR PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF SENATE SERVING AS GOVERNOR. The Lieutenant Governor or President pro tempore of the Senate shall, during the time the Lieutenant Governor or President pro tempore exercises the powers and authority appertaining to the office of Governor, be under all the restrictions and inhibitions imposed in this Constitution on the Governor. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 2, 1999.)
Tex. Const. art. 16, § 25 — Article 16 / Section 25
Texas Constitution Article 16, Section 25
Status: in_force

DRAWBACKS AND REBATEMENT PROHIBITED TO CARRIERS, SHIPPERS, MERCHANTS, ETC. That all drawbacks and rebatement of insurance, freight, transportation, carriage, wharfage, storage, compressing, baling, repairing, or for any other kind of labor or service of, or to any cotton, grain, or any other produce or article of commerce in this State, paid or allowed or contracted for, to any common carrier, shipper, merchant, commission merchant, factor, agent, or middle man of any kind, not the true and absolute owner thereof, are forever prohibited, and it shall be the duty of the Legislature to pass effective laws punishing all persons in this State who pay, receive or contract for, or respecting the same. (Feb. 15, 1876.)
Tex. Const. art. 8, § 9 — Article 8 / Section 9
Texas Constitution Article 8, Section 9
Status: in_force

MAXIMUM COUNTY, CITY, AND TOWN TAX RATES; COUNTY FUNDS; LOCAL ROAD LAWS. (a) No county, city or town shall levy a tax rate in excess of Eighty Cents (80Â¢) on the One Hundred Dollars ($100) valuation in any one (1) year for general fund, permanent improvement fund, road and bridge fund and jury fund purposes. (b) At the time the Commissioners Court meets to levy the annual tax rate for each county it shall levy whatever tax rate may be needed for the four (4) constitutional purposes; namely, general fund, permanent improvement fund, road and bridge fund and jury fund so long as the Court does not impair any outstanding bonds or other obligations and so long as the total of the foregoing tax levies does not exceed Eighty Cents (80Â¢) on the One Hundred Dollars ($100) valuation in any one (1) year. Once the Court has levied the annual tax rate, the same shall remain in force and effect during that taxable year. (c) The Legislature may authorize an additional annual ad valorem tax to be levied and collected for the further maintenance of the public roads; provided, that a majority of the qualified voters of the county voting at an election to be held for that purpose shall approve the tax, not to exceed Fifteen Cents (15Â¢) on the One Hundred Dollars ($100) valuation of the property subject to taxation in such county. (d) Any county may put all tax money collected by the county into one general fund, without regard to the purpose or source of each tax. (e) The Legislature may pass local laws for the maintenance of the public roads and highways, without the local notice required for special or local laws. (f) This Section shall not be construed as a limitation of powers delegated to counties, cities or towns by any other Section or Sections of this Constitution. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Aug. 14, 1883, Nov. 4, 1890, Nov. 6, 1906, Nov. 7, 1944, Nov. 6, 1956, Nov. 11, 1967, and Nov. 2, 1999.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISIONS for Sec. 9: See Appendix, Note 1.)
Tex. Const. art. 3, § 50b-1 — Article 3 / Section 50b-1
Texas Constitution Article 3, Section 50b-1
Status: in_force

(Repealed Nov. 2, 1999.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISIONS for Sec. 50b-1: See Appendix, Note 1.)
Tex. Const. art. 7, § 11b — Article 7 / Section 11b
Texas Constitution Article 7, Section 11b
Status: in_force

EXPANDED INVESTMENT AUTHORITY FOR PERMANENT UNIVERSITY FUND. Notwithstanding any other provision of this constitution, in managing the assets of the permanent university fund, the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System may acquire, exchange, sell, supervise, manage, or retain, through procedures and subject to restrictions it establishes and in amounts it considers appropriate, any kind of investment, including investments in the Texas growth fund created by Article XVI, Section 70 , of this constitution, that prudent investors, exercising reasonable care, skill, and caution, would acquire or retain in light of the purposes, terms, distribution requirements, and other circumstances of the fund then prevailing, taking into consideration the investment of all the assets of the fund rather than a single investment. (Added Nov. 8, 1988; amended Nov. 7, 1995, and Nov. 2, 1999.)
Tex. Const. art. 1, § 1 — Article 1 / Section 1
Texas Constitution Article 1, Section 1
Status: in_force

FREEDOM AND SOVEREIGNTY OF STATE. Texas is a free and independent State, subject only to the Constitution of the United States, and the maintenance of our free institutions and the perpetuity of the Union depend upon the preservation of the right of local self-government, unimpaired to all the States. (Feb. 15, 1876.)
Tex. Const. art. 1, § 36 — Article 1 / Section 36
Texas Constitution Article 1, Section 36
Status: in_force

RIGHT TO ENGAGE IN CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES. (a) The people have the right to engage in generally accepted farm, ranch, timber production, horticulture, or wildlife management practices on real property they own or lease. (b) This section does not affect the authority of the legislature to authorize by general law the regulation of generally accepted farm, ranch, timber production, horticulture, or wildlife management practices by: (1) a state agency or political subdivision when there is clear and convincing evidence that the law or regulation is necessary to protect the public health and safety from imminent danger; (2) a state agency to prevent a danger to animal health or crop production; or (3) a state agency or political subdivision to preserve or conserve the natural resources of this state under Section 59 , Article XVI, of this constitution. (c) This section does not affect the authority of the legislature to authorize by general law the use or acquisition of property for a public use, including the development of the natural resources of this state under Section 59 , Article XVI, of this constitution. (Added Nov. 7, 2023.)
Tex. Const. art. 4, § 11 — Article 4 / Section 11
Texas Constitution Article 4, Section 11
Status: in_force

BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES; PAROLE LAWS; REPRIEVES, COMMUTATIONS, AND PARDONS; REMISSION OF FINES AND FORFEITURES. (a) The Legislature shall by law establish a Board of Pardons and Paroles and shall require it to keep record of its actions and the reasons for its actions. The Legislature shall have authority to enact parole laws and laws that require or permit courts to inform juries about the effect of good conduct time and eligibility for parole or mandatory supervision on the period of incarceration served by a defendant convicted of a criminal offense. (b) In all criminal cases, except treason and impeachment, the Governor shall have power, after conviction or successful completion of a term of deferred adjudication community supervision, on the written signed recommendation and advice of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, or a majority thereof, to grant reprieves and commutations of punishment and pardons; and under such rules as the Legislature may prescribe, and upon the written recommendation and advice of a majority of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, he shall have the power to remit fines and forfeitures. The Governor shall have the power to grant one reprieve in any capital case for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days; and he shall have power to revoke conditional pardons. With the advice and consent of the Legislature, he may grant reprieves, commutations of punishment and pardons in cases of treason. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 3, 1936, Nov. 8, 1983, and Nov. 7, 1989; Subsec. (b) amended Nov. 8, 2011.) Sec. 11A. SUSPENSION OF SENTENCE; PROBATION. The Courts of the State of Texas having original jurisdiction of criminal actions shall have the power, after conviction, to suspend the imposition or execution of sentence and to place the defendant upon probation and to reimpose such sentence, under such conditions as the Legislature may prescribe. (Added Aug. 24, 1935.) Sec. 11B. CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES. (a) The legislature by law may organize and combine into one or more agencies all agencies of the state that: (1) have authority over the confinement or supervision of persons convicted of criminal offenses; (2) set standards or distribute state funds to political subdivisions that have authority over the confinement or supervision of persons convicted of criminal offenses; or (3) gather information about the administration of criminal justice. (b) The legislature by law may authorize the appointment of members of more than one department of government to serve on the governing body. (Added Nov. 7, 1989.)
Tex. Const. art. 6, § 3 — Article 6 / Section 3
Texas Constitution Article 6, Section 3
Status: in_force

QUALIFICATIONS OF VOTERS IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. All qualified voters of the State, as herein described, who reside within the limits of any city or corporate town, shall have the right to vote for Mayor and all other elective officers. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 4, 1997, and Nov. 2, 1999.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISIONS for Sec. 3: See Appendix, Note 1.)
Tex. Const. art. 10, § 9 — Article 10 / Section 9
Texas Constitution Article 10, Section 9
Status: in_force

(Repealed Aug. 5, 1969.)
Tex. Const. art. 3, § 42 — Article 3 / Section 42
Texas Constitution Article 3, Section 42
Status: in_force

(Repealed Aug. 5, 1969.)
Tex. Const. art. 10, § 5 — Article 10 / Section 5
Texas Constitution Article 10, Section 5
Status: in_force

(Repealed Aug. 5, 1969.)
Tex. Const. art. 16, § 18 — Article 16 / Section 18
Texas Constitution Article 16, Section 18
Status: in_force

(Repealed Nov. 2, 1999.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISIONS for Sec. 18: See Appendix, Note 1.)
Tex. Const. art. 8, § 23 — Article 8 / Section 23
Texas Constitution Article 8, Section 23
Status: in_force

STATEWIDE APPRAISAL OF REAL PROPERTY FOR AD VALOREM TAX PURPOSES PROHIBITED; ENFORCEMENT OF APPRAISAL STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES. (a) There shall be no statewide appraisal of real property for ad valorem tax purposes; however, this shall not preclude formula distribution of tax revenues to political subdivisions of the state. (b) Administrative and judicial enforcement of uniform standards and procedures for appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes shall be prescribed by general law. (Added Nov. 7, 1978; Subsec. (b) amended Nov. 3, 2009.)
Tex. Const. art. 16, § 33 — Article 16 / Section 33
Texas Constitution Article 16, Section 33
Status: in_force

SALARY OR COMPENSATION PAYMENTS TO PERSONS HOLDING MORE THAN ONE PUBLIC OFFICE. The accounting officers in this State shall neither draw nor pay a warrant or check on funds of the State of Texas, whether in the treasury or otherwise, to any person for salary or compensation who holds at the same time more than one civil office of emolument, in violation of Section 40. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 2, 1926, Nov. 8, 1932, Nov. 11, 1967, and Nov. 7, 1972.)
Tex. Const. art. 11, § 2 — Article 11 / Section 2
Texas Constitution Article 11, Section 2
Status: in_force

JAILS, COURTHOUSES, BRIDGES, AND ROADS. The construction of jails, court-houses and bridges and the laying out, construction and repairing of county roads shall be provided for by general laws. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 2, 1999.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISIONS for Sec. 2: See Appendix, Note 1.)
Tex. Const. art. 1, § 24 — Article 1 / Section 24
Texas Constitution Article 1, Section 24
Status: in_force

MILITARY SUBORDINATE TO CIVIL AUTHORITY. The military shall at all times be subordinate to the civil authority. (Feb. 15, 1876.)
Tex. Const. art. 3, § 7 — Article 3 / Section 7
Texas Constitution Article 3, Section 7
Status: in_force

QUALIFICATIONS OF REPRESENTATIVES. No person shall be a Representative, unless he be a citizen of the United States, and, at the time of his election, a qualified voter of this State, and shall have been a resident of this State two years next preceding his election, the last year thereof a resident of the district for which he shall be chosen, and shall have attained the age of twenty-one years. (Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 2, 1999.) (TEMPORARY TRANSITION PROVISIONS for Sec. 7: See Appendix, Note 1.)
Tex. Const. art. 3, § 17 — Article 3 / Section 17
Texas Constitution Article 3, Section 17
Status: in_force

ADJOURNMENTS. Neither House shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than that where the Legislature may be sitting. (Feb. 15, 1876.)