Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the statewide election of the speaker of the house of representatives by the voters of this state.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by David Lowe

Amends the state constitution to elect the House Speaker by statewide vote, not by a caucus, requiring voter approval through the constitutional amendment process.

Referred to State Affairs

#elections--general(i0310) #legislature(i0520) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #speakerofthehouse(s0306)

HJR 170 — Summary

Overview

HJR 170 is a joint resolution filed on March 6, 2025, proposing a constitutional amendment to require the statewide election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the voters of this state. It is currently classified as a joint resolution and has been referred to the State Affairs committee. The bill was read for the first time and referred to State Affairs on March 26, 2025.

What the bill would do

Amend the state constitution to switch the method of selecting the Speaker of the House from an internal House caucus process to a statewide electoral process in which voters elect the Speaker.

As a constitutional amendment, the proposal would require formal passage through the legislative process and subsequent voter approval to take effect (the exact procedural steps beyond this general framework are not specified in the provided information).

Key provisions (based on the title and classification)

Establishes a requirement that the Speaker of the House be elected by all voters of the state, rather than being chosen by members of the House.

Triggers a constitutional amendment pathway (via a joint resolution), with the standard steps to place the amendment on the ballot and for voters to decide.

Who would be affected

Voters: The statewide electorate would participate in electing the Speaker.

House of Representatives: The Speaker position would be elected externally by voters, altering internal leadership selection dynamics.

Members of the House and party caucuses: The change could affect leadership contests, timing of leadership elections, and the balance of influence within the chamber.

State election officials and processes: If enacted, a statewide election for Speaker would interact with election administration and campaign finance considerations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: March 6, 2025.

Read first time: March 26, 2025.

Referred to: State Affairs (March 26, 2025).

Status remains that it is a referred joint resolution; passage would require the standard constitutional amendment process (typically legislative passage plus voter ratification), though exact thresholds are not specified here.

Potential implications and considerations

Shifts political power from internal House leadership selection to the general electorate, potentially increasing accountability to voters but also increasing campaign costs and statewide visibility for the Speaker role.

Possible changes to legislative dynamics, including how quickly leaders are chosen and how leadership stability is maintained.

Logistical considerations for a statewide election specifically for the Speaker, including campaign finance, timing with general elections, and voter turnout effects.

Next steps

If advanced by the State Affairs committee and the full legislature, the amendment would proceed to a statewide ballot for voter approval (per the state’s typical constitutional amendment process). Monitoring future actions, amendments, or introductions related to HJR 170 will clarify specific thresholds and timeline.