Austin

Seventeen proposed amendments to the state constitution and various local races will appear on Texas voters’ ballots this fall.

The new rule applies to Texas businesses with liquor licenses, such as bars and liquor stores. State agencies are working to develop regulations for other THC retailers, a spokesperson for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said.

The proposed constitutional amendments, which were adopted by state lawmakers earlier this year, include measures aimed at reducing property taxes, funding water supply projects and creating a state dementia research institute.

During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. Eligibility is based on a family’s income.

Local government agencies must post meeting notices at least three business days in advance of the meeting. The new rules seek to give residents more time to review meeting agendas and participate in local government meetings, lawmakers said.

The order comes one week after a special legislative session ended without Abbott and state lawmakers agreeing on legislation to ban or restrict THC sales.

The sweeping changes come after lawmakers passed what state leaders have called “transformative” education laws during this year’s regular legislative session, which ended June 2.

A Texas federal judge temporarily blocked 11 school districts from displaying the Ten Commandments in August. Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed the ruling and directed other school districts to display donated posters.