According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) ,the fiscal implications of the bill indicate a negative financial impact on the state’s General Revenue Related Funds, estimated at $928,461 over the biennium ending August 31, 2027. The projected annual cost is $466,839 for fiscal years 2026, 2028, and 2030, and $461,622 for fiscal years 2027 and 2029. Over the five-year period from 2026 to 2030, the total cost amounts to $2,323,761.

The primary expenses associated with implementing HB 2308 stem from the staffing and operational needs of the newly established Texas Commission on Border Security and Illegal Immigration. The bill directs the Office of the Governor (OOG) to provide staffing for the commission, which will require 1.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. These positions include a 0.5 financial analyst, 0.5 information specialist, and 0.5 general counsel, with associated costs for salaries, benefits, and other operational expenses estimated at $266,839 in fiscal year 2026 and $261,622 in subsequent odd-numbered years.

Additionally, the bill allocates $200,000 annually for professional services, primarily covering consultant fees. These funds are necessary to support the commission’s duties, which include conducting research, holding public hearings, consulting with experts, and compiling reports on the impacts of illegal immigration and border security measures.

There is no significant fiscal impact expected for local government units. The costs are centralized at the state level, primarily affecting the Office of the Governor. The bill itself does not appropriate funds but establishes the legal basis for funding the commission’s activities.

The overall vote recommendation for HB 2308 is "Yes". The bill addresses critical issues related to border security and illegal immigration, which have become increasingly prominent in Texas since the surge in migration beginning in 2021. By establishing the Texas Commission on Border Security and Illegal Immigration, the bill aims to develop a more structured, informed, and sustainable approach to managing immigration challenges, aligning well with core principles of limited government, public safety, and economic stability.

One of the bill’s primary strengths is its comprehensive approach to border security. The commission is tasked with conducting in-depth reviews of the economic, legal, cultural, and educational impacts of illegal immigration. It will also study the effectiveness of current state and federal laws, identify infrastructure needs on the Texas-Mexico border, and evaluate the potential of a state migrant worker program to address labor shortages. By creating a dedicated body to analyze and recommend targeted solutions, the bill ensures that legislative and policy decisions are based on thorough research and stakeholder input rather than reactive measures.

The bill also supports limited government by establishing the commission as an advisory body rather than a regulatory entity. This structure allows for focused, data-driven analysis without expanding government authority. Furthermore, the inclusion of bipartisan representation within the commission fosters balanced decision-making and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered. The commission’s ability to consult experts, gather public testimony, and hold hearings enhances transparency and public involvement.

Financially, while the bill has a projected cost of approximately $928,461 over two years due to staffing and consulting expenses, these costs are justified by the long-term benefits of more strategic and effective immigration policy planning. The bill does not appropriate funds but lays the groundwork for a structured response to immigration challenges, which could ultimately reduce inefficiencies and duplication of efforts across state agencies.

In conclusion, HB 2308 represents a proactive, balanced, and transparent approach to addressing border security and immigration issues. By focusing on informed policy recommendations and strategic planning, the bill helps Texas develop more sustainable solutions while respecting the principles of limited government and public accountability. Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on HB 2308.

• Individual Liberty: HB 2308 indirectly supports individual liberty by aiming to improve border security while considering the economic, cultural, and social impacts of immigration. By establishing the Texas Commission on Border Security and Illegal Immigration, the bill creates a platform for public input through hearings, allowing individuals and community representatives to express their perspectives on immigration-related challenges. This inclusive approach respects the voices of Texas residents, particularly those in border communities directly impacted by immigration issues. Additionally, the commission's duty to assess the integration of immigrants into local communities reflects a commitment to ensuring that newcomers can exercise their rights while fostering harmony with existing residents.
• Personal Responsibility: The bill promotes personal responsibility by emphasizing the role of the state in developing thoughtful, evidence-based approaches to immigration policy. The commission is tasked with evaluating the migrant worker program to address labor shortages in key industries. By studying the potential of integrating migrant labor responsibly, the bill acknowledges the responsibility of both employers and workers in maintaining legal and productive labor practices. Moreover, the commission’s efforts to recommend policies that protect public health, safety, and welfare underscore the importance of personal accountability in maintaining community stability.
• Free Enterprise: HB 2308 supports free enterprise by addressing the economic implications of illegal immigration, including the potential benefits of a state migrant worker program. By examining how migrant labor can support industries that face worker shortages, the bill aims to enhance economic productivity while reducing the negative effects of illegal immigration. This balanced approach encourages businesses to employ legal and skilled labor, promoting a stable workforce while minimizing the risk of economic disruption. Additionally, the bill's focus on infrastructure projects related to border security can support local economies by attracting investment and fostering safer business environments.
• Private Property Rights: While the bill does not directly address private property rights, it contributes to their protection through improved border security. By identifying critical infrastructure projects and developing a comprehensive plan to manage illegal immigration, HB 2308 aims to reduce illegal crossings and related property damage often experienced by landowners in border areas. In this way, the bill indirectly safeguards the rights of property owners by promoting community safety and reducing the adverse effects of uncontrolled migration on private land.
• Limited Government: HB 2308 aligns with the principle of limited government by establishing the commission as an advisory body rather than an enforcement entity. Its primary role is to research, recommend, and advise rather than regulate or impose mandates. The commission’s reports and recommendations will guide policy decisions without expanding the direct authority of the state over individuals or businesses. Additionally, the bill ensures transparency and accountability by requiring public reports and allowing stakeholder participation in hearings. This structure respects the balance between governmental oversight and individual freedoms.