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HJR 103

Memorials, Recognition - Derek Scott, Governor's Volunteer Stars Award -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Keisling

Amend constitution to give the attorney general explicit power to prosecute election-law offenses, potentially shifting cases from local prosecutors; voter approval required.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HJR 103

Summary of HJR 103 (Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election-law offenses)

Bill overview

  • Bill number and type: HJR 103, a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment.
  • Title/purpose: Proposes to specify the authority of the attorney general to prosecute a criminal offense prescribed by the election laws of the state.
  • Status: Referred to State Affairs.
  • Introduced date: December 5, 2024.
  • Current legislative actions:
    • 2024-12-05: Filed
    • 2025-03-12: Read first time; Referred to State Affairs
  • Related/companion bills:
    • HJR 160 (companion)
    • HJR 189 (companion)

What the bill would do (key provisions)

  • Amend the state constitution to affirm and clarify that the attorney general has authority to prosecute criminal offenses that are defined or prescribed by the state’s election laws.
  • Establish, within constitutional text, the scope of the attorney general’s prosecutorial role specifically for election-law crimes.
  • By being a constitutional amendment, the bill would set a foundational change that requires voter approval to take effect, rather than a simple statutory change.

Who or what would be affected

  • Office of the Attorney General: Explicit prosecutorial authority over election-law offenses would formalize and potentially centralize prosecution in this office.
  • Local and state prosecutors (district attorneys and others): The bill could alter existing jurisdiction for certain election-law crimes, potentially shifting cases from local prosecutors to the attorney general, depending on how the constitutional language is implemented and interpreted.
  • Election-law enforcement landscape: Could impact enforcement patterns, coordination with law enforcement, and how election integrity offenses are pursued.
  • Voters: Since it is a constitutional amendment, passage would require voter ratification in a future election.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • A constitutional amendment typically requires approval by the legislature and then by voters in a statewide election.
  • If advanced, it would proceed through standard constitutional-amendment processes in both chambers, followed by voter consideration.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Policy implications: Centralizing prosecution of election-law offenses under the AG could standardize enforcement across the state but may reduce district attorneys’ roles in prosecuting these crimes.
  • Operational considerations: Potential needs for new staffing, budget implications, and coordination between the AG’s office and local jurisdictions.
  • Legal considerations: The exact language in the constitutional amendment will determine the scope and any exceptions, transitional rules, or clarifications needed for current elections-law offenses.

Plain-language takeaway

HJR 103 seeks to amend the state constitution to give the attorney general explicit authority to prosecute criminal offenses defined by election laws, potentially shifting some prosecutorial responsibilities away from local prosecutors. The measure is currently in the State Affairs committee process, with a companion pair of bills (HJR 160 and HJR 189) offering parallel or alternate language. As a constitutional amendment, it would require voter approval to take effect.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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