Houston Holds Charter Amendment Election November 3: Proposition A, the Houston Freedom Act, Would Deprioritize Marijuana Enforcement and Ban No-Knock Warrants
HOUSTON, Harris County, Texas — The City of Houston will conduct a Charter Amendment Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., submitting to qualified voters a proposition to amend the City Charter to deprioritize enforcement of certain marijuana offenses and ban no-knock warrants.
Under Proposition A, the City Charter would be amended by adding a new Article X, titled the "Houston Freedom Act." According to the city, the act's objectives are to carefully allocate scarce city resources, reduce the risk of discriminatory enforcement practices, and focus city resources on the highest priority public safety concerns, in order to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of Houston under the home rule authority of the Texas Constitution.
On enforcement, unless and until a binding act of a state or federal court requires otherwise, the Houston Police Department shall make enforcement of Class A and Class B misdemeanor marijuana possession its lowest possible enforcement priority. The city shall update its annual budget, police department manual and relevant policies and procedures to ensure public safety resources are not spent on misdemeanor marijuana enforcement and are instead targeted at programs that best promote public safety. The proposition also calls for a diversion program plan.
The charter amendment takes effect only if approved by voters on November 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; voters should consult the city and Harris County election authorities for eligibility and polling place information.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：休斯顿市政厅。Michael Barera 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons 发布。/ Houston City Hall. Photo by Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
