Texas Senate passes private school vouchers bill; heads to Gov. Abbott's desk
The Texas Senate passed Thursday the controversial school choice bill, allowing for taxpayer money to be used to help qualifying students pay for private school tuition.
Texas lawmakers passed the legislation with a vote of 19-12. It was approved roughly a week ago by the Texas House in a historic vote.
It was the first time the Texas House gave the green light to a bill on private school vouchers. The Senate approved similar legislation multiple times, including earlier this year, by a similar margin of 19-12.
"As Lt. Governor, I have prioritized school choice and the Texas Senate has passed school choice six times since 2015 because parents should be able to place students in the educational environment that works best for them," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement. "All of the previous bills died in the Texas House, and I am so glad they have finally passed SB 2 this session. Following the Texas Senate's acceptance of House amendments to SB 2, educational choice will soon be the law of the land in Texas."
How the Texas private school vouchers program works
As part of the $1 billion bill, most students who attend an accredited private school will receive $10,000 per year. Students with disabilities will receive up to $30,000 per year, and home-schooled students will get $2,000 a year.
"For all kids, for all kids, kids with special education needs, homeschool families, economically disadvantaged families, this is a day that is going to make a difference in our Texas future," tate Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, said.
Republicans said the bill prioritizes low-income students and those with disabilities.
Texas Democrats say the legislation hurts public schools
Democrats said they believe at the end of the day, most of the students who take part in the program will be wealthier students who attend private school now.
"We are looking at siphoning $1 billion out of our already underfunded system to help a tiny percentage of Texas school children who are mostly already in private school," state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, said.
Gov. Greg Abbott has said repeatedly he was confident the bill would pass this legislative season.
"It's common sense for Texas to be among the two-thirds of the states in the United States that support school choice," Abbott said last week.
The bill now heads to Abbott to be signed. The Texas Comptroller's Office will develop and administer the education savings account program. It is slated to take effect for the 2026-27 school year.
