Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the statewide election of the speaker of the house of representatives by the voters of this state.
HJR 170 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Texas House of Representatives speakers are selected. Currently chosen by House members, the Speaker would instead be elected directly by all Texas voters in statewide elections held concurrently with other legislative elections. The amendment specifies that the Speaker must be qualified to serve in the House, cannot hold other legislative offices, and would serve a two-year term. This change would take effect with the 2026 election, but requires voter approval in a November 2025 election.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 26, 2025
Last action Mar 26, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Mar 26, 2025
Committee
Referred to State Affairs
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
David Lowe
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HJR 170
Scope: TX
Hi! I can help you understand HJR 170. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline