Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the statewide election of the speaker of the house of representatives by the voters of this state.
Impact
If passed, this amendment would alter the governance structure of the Texas House of Representatives significantly, granting more authority to voters over their elected officials. The legislation seeks not only to enhance democratic engagement but also to potentially hold the Speaker more accountable to the electorate. This could lead to a change in the political dynamics within the Texas Legislature and how the Speaker interacts with both the legislative body and the public.
Summary
HJR170 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would allow for the statewide election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the voters. Currently, the Speaker is elected by members of the House, and this bill aims to change that by putting the power directly in the hands of the citizens. The individual elected as Speaker would serve a two-year term, beginning when the next legislative session convenes following the election, slated for 2026. This amendment emphasizes a shift towards more direct democratic practices within the Texas legislative process.
Contention
The proposal may not be without its controversies. Supporters argue that a statewide election for Speaker could lead to a more representative leadership reflective of the electorate's will. However, detractors might contend that such a shift could politicize the Speaker's role further, potentially leading to factionalism and challenges in bipartisan cooperation within the Legislature. Additionally, there might be concerns regarding the logistics of a statewide election for a legislative position traditionally held within the legislative body itself.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the secretary of state to be elected by the qualified voters at a general election instead of appointed by the governor.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to set the salaries of members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor based on the average public school teacher salary in this state.
Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house of representatives to call the legislature into special session on petition of at least two-thirds of the members of each house of the legislature in response to a fiscal crisis, war, natural disaster, or emergency.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing requirements for the exercise of the power of impeachment by the House of Representatives and providing that officers against whom articles of impeachment are preferred receive pay during the pendency of impeachment proceedings.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing requirements for the exercise of the power of impeachment by the House of Representatives and providing that officers against whom articles of impeachment are preferred receive pay during the pendency of impeachment proceedings.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the suspension of certain public officers by the governor and the trial, removal, and reinstatement of certain public officers by the senate.