KTBS 3 News | Shreveport, LA: ArkLaTex News - Texas voters to decide on 11 proposed constitutional amendments

Posted: Nov 3, 2009 2:05 PM

Texas voters were deciding Tuesday whether to approve 11 state constitutional amendments, including propositions to limit eminent domain power and to help fund more top-tier research universities.

Gov. Rick Perry and other state leaders urged the passage of propositions. Only spotty opposition emerged to any of the proposed amendments. Most are housekeeping measures.

Proposition 4 would create a national research university fund out of $500 million in existing state money. Texas currently has three top-level research universities: the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University and Rice University. It has few than large states like California and New York, proponents said. Seven other Texas universities are vying to achieve so-called Tier One status.

Proposition 11 would limit eminent domain powers by putting language in the constitution that governments cannot seize private property and give it to a private developer to boost the tax base.

Proposition 9 would underscore in the Texas Constitution the state's open beaches law. Backers said it would protect public beach access from lawsuits or legislative interference, while opponents said it could erode private property rights.

Statewide turnout was expected to be light. Early voting was highest in Houston, where there was a mayor's race.