HJR 170 proposes a constitutional amendment that would change the process for selecting the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives by requiring a statewide election instead of election by House members. Under the amendment, the Speaker would be elected by qualified voters of Texas at the same time and place as legislative elections, serving a two-year term that expires at the end of the Legislature for which they were elected. To be eligible, a candidate must meet the qualifications for election as a member of the House but cannot simultaneously serve as a member of either the House or Senate. The amendment establishes that election returns for Speaker would be transmitted to the Speaker pro tempore and canvassed in the same manner as returns for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The Legislature must complete this process and officially seat the Speaker before it can proceed with declaring election results for those executive offices. If a vacancy occurs, it would be filled similarly to legislative vacancies, with the Speaker pro tempore serving in the interim. The initial statewide election for Speaker would take place in 2026, with the first term beginning when the Legislature convenes in 2027. This provision would expire on January 1, 2030. The proposed amendment will be placed on the November 4, 2025, ballot for voter approval.