According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 318 is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact on the state. The bill mandates the creation of an Election Integrity Division within the Office of the Attorney General; however, it assumes that any associated costs for establishing and operating this division can be absorbed within the agency's existing budget and resources.

This assumption implies that no new appropriations or staffing expansions are immediately necessary to implement the bill. The state expects the Attorney General’s Office to reprioritize current funding or utilize existing infrastructure to support this new function.

For local governments, the fiscal impact is also projected to be minimal. Although the division may interact with local entities by issuing subpoenas or requesting cooperation, these activities are not anticipated to place a significant financial burden on local political subdivisions. Thus, both state and local entities are expected to integrate the bill’s requirements without material increases in expenditures.

SB 318 proposes the creation of an Election Integrity Division within the Office of the Texas Attorney General. This division would be tasked with investigating alleged election fraud and violations of the Election Code, supporting county or district attorneys, and being empowered to issue administrative subpoenas and request assistance from state law enforcement agencies. The bill is intended to standardize and enhance the state’s response to election integrity concerns and ensure that credible reports are not ignored due to jurisdictional gaps or local inaction.

The bill supports the principles of personal responsibility and accountability by reinforcing the legal consequences for election-related misconduct. It also aligns with calls from certain political platforms for the Attorney General to play a more active role when local prosecutors decline to act. However, the proposed authority—particularly the administrative subpoena power—raises concerns about potential overreach and its impact on individual liberty and limited government if not properly constrained.

The fiscal note indicates no significant cost to the state or local governments, assuming the Attorney General’s Office can manage the new division using existing resources. While this suggests minimal budgetary impact, oversight will be important to ensure that operational scope does not expand in ways that increase future costs or infringe on civil liberties.

Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 318 but also strongly consider amendments that require judicial oversight for subpoenas, clarify the division’s supportive—not primary—role relative to local prosecutors, and ensure transparency through public reporting. These modifications would enhance the bill’s alignment with constitutional principles and guard against unintended consequences.