On November 5, 2019, Texas will hold a Constitutional Amendment election. Prop. 5 is one of 10 propositions that will be on the ballot and will ensure that tax revenue generated from sporting goods sales will go to support Texas Parks.
In 1993, the Texas Legislature moved to create a consistent funding stream for our state and local parks and historical sites, by designating a portion of the sales taxes collected from the sale of sporting goods, known as the Sporting Goods Sales Tax (SGST). From 1993 to 2017, the state has collected nearly $2.5 billion in revenues from the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, yet only 40 percent has been spent on state and local parks.
Prop. 5 is a constitutional dedication of revenue from the existing sales tax to only be used on public parks and historic sites. Prop. 5 requires no new taxes or fees.
Fortunately, the 86th Legislature, with the leadership of State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst and State Rep. John Cyrier, took the opportunity to address this issue and preserve our state and local parks and historic sites for future generations. The near-unanimous passage of SJR 24 this Legislative Session paved the way for Proposition 5 to be placed on the ballot this November.
Proposition 5 Ballot Language
“The constitutional amendment dedicating the revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes that are imposed on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to protect Texas’ natural areas, water quality, and history by acquiring, managing, and improving state and local parks and historic sites while not increasing the rate of the state sales and use taxes.”
Dates to Remember
Last Day to Register to Vote
October 7, 2019
Early Voting
October 21-November 1, 2019
Election Day
November 5, 2019