The Bandera County Republican Women met in August after a one-month hiatus in July. American Legion First Vice Commander Susan Junker provided the program, discussing 17 constitutional amendments that will appear on the November 2025 ballot.
Junker focused on five amendments, explaining their purpose and what a vote in favor would mean. She reviewed Proposition 3, Proposition 4, Proposition 7, Proposition 11, and Proposition 13.
Proposition 3 would deny bail in certain circumstances for people charged with felonies, limiting judges’ options in specific cases.
Proposition 4 would dedicate a portion of the state sales and use tax to the Texas Water Fund, which oversees the state’s water resources.
Proposition 7 would exempt all or part of the ad valorem taxation for the homestead of a veteran’s spouse if the veteran died from a service-connected disease or condition.
Proposition 11 would allow the Legislature to increase the exemption from school district taxes for elderly or disabled residents.
Proposition 13 would raise the exemption of a residence homestead from ad valorem school district taxes from $100,000 to $140,000.
Junker provided a spreadsheet to members to help them understand all 17 propositions and where to find additional information.
The group also reviewed results from the 89th Legislative session. Lawmakers signed 1,155 bills into law and vetoed 28 bills.
Six of the vetoed bills were later placed on the Special Session agenda: Senate Bill 3 (regulation of hemp products); Senate Bill 468 (real property recording requirements); Senate Bill 1253 (water projects); Senate Bill 1278 (affirmative defense for victims of trafficking); Senate Bill 1758 (production of aggregates and water); and Senate Bill 2878 (operation and administration of the judicial branch).
All seven emergency items were signed into law: property tax relief, generational investments in water, raising teacher pay, expanding career training, school choice, bail reform, and creation of the Texas Cyber Command.
In routine business, the treasurer’s report submitted by Sharon Striegl was approved. President Melanie Burns reported that the group now has 30 members. Liz Garcia gave a report on scholarship recipients, Sandi Clark on campaign activities, and Rene Leith on legislative actions.
The group addressed the resignation of President Brandi Conover and Secretary Tiffany Shirey. An emergency board meeting on June 10 accepted the resignations and appointed interim board members.
Discussion turned to fundraising. The annual Spaghetti Lunch sale will be held at Ridin’ the River Cowboy Church. Each meal is $10, with delivery of five or more lunches available within five miles of Bandera. Funds raised will support two $1,000 scholarships.
Burns asked for volunteers to serve on the nominations committee for the 2026-2028 board, with three members needed.
Members discussed establishing a party headquarters, including the possibility of the GOP contributing to rent and helping operate the facility.
The group voted to move its September meeting to Shepherd’s Gate Church in Polly Peak. The venue is free and includes a kitchen for refreshments.
Upcoming speakers include Vanessa Sivadge, president of Protecting Texas Children, on Sept. 11 at the BEC Meeting Room at 6 p.m., with the Bandera County GOP sponsoring the event. Ellis County legislator Brian Harrison will speak at the September BCRW meeting. Janice Zitelman of the League of Women Voters will speak at the October meeting, and Kelly Beadle will discuss Hill Country Samaritans and the Back-to-School Bash in November.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
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