When the 89th Texas legislative session officially begins, education is poised to be a major focal point for lawmakers and Governor Greg Abbott. On the first day of bill filings, a slate of high-profile education-related proposals emerged, signaling that 2025 could be a pivotal year for Texas students, parents, and teachers. With school choice taking the lead, multiple bills addressing everything from curriculum content to school safety and religious expression have already been submitted.
Parental Empowerment and School Choice Lead the Charge
Topping the list of education-related bills is House Bill 212, introduced by Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park). The bill, dubbed the "Texas Parental Empowerment Act of 2025," represents the state's first major push toward universal school choice for parents. The four-page legislation aims to provide a universal option for Texas families, giving parents greater flexibility in choosing where their children attend school. The bill was quickly lauded by school choice advocates, including Corey DeAngelis, a prominent proponent of educational freedom. DeAngelis expressed strong confidence that the proposal would succeed in this legislative session, stating, “It will pass.”
School choice has been a contentious issue in recent years, with supporters and detractors fiercely debating the merits of expanding options for families. In the 88th Legislative Session, multiple attempts to pass school choice legislation faltered, culminating in the failure of a proposal that would have created education savings accounts. After multiple special sessions and intense debate, the bill died on the House floor when an amendment stripped out the provision for such accounts.
However, the political landscape has shifted following the November 2023 elections. Governor Abbott, in his post-election remarks, declared that there are now 79 “true hardcore school choice proponents” in the Texas House, a significant increase that could tip the scales in favor of reform. This shift could make 2025 the year school choice takes center stage, with proponents hopeful that the political will is now aligned for success.
Other Key Bills on the Table
In addition to the school choice legislation, other notable education bills have also been filed, touching on issues ranging from technology use in classrooms to religious expression.
Rep. Ellen Troxclair (R-Lakeway) introduced House Bill 515, which seeks to curb the use of personal electronic devices by students during school hours. The bill would require school boards to adopt policies banning student use of cell phones and other personal electronics during the school day. Troxclair’s proposal has received backing from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which has expressed support for measures that reduce distractions in the classroom.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano) has filed a bill aimed at protecting religious freedom in public schools. House Bill 505 would allow public school employees to engage in religious speech and prayer while on duty, a measure that reflects growing interest in expanding religious expression in public spaces.
Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), who has become a prominent figure in the debate over education content, submitted multiple bills aimed at strengthening state oversight of public school materials. Patterson’s House Bill 267 seeks to eliminate an “obscenity exemption” that has allowed educators to present sexually explicit content to students under certain circumstances. This bill would make it easier to prosecute the distribution of materials deemed obscene under Texas law, including those used in educational settings.
Additionally, Patterson filed HB 183 to revise the process by which the State Board of Education reviews library materials in public schools. The bill would establish a clearer pathway for parents and community members to challenge books or other educational content they deem inappropriate.
Expanding Curriculum and Increasing School Safety
On the Democratic side, Rep. Christina Morales (D-Houston) has introduced HB 178, which calls for the addition of ethnic studies to the social studies curriculum for K-12 students in Texas. The bill seeks to expand students' understanding of diverse cultures and histories, in line with growing demands for more inclusive education.
Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) has also filed legislation to address the state’s education finance system. His bill would establish a dedicated fine arts allotment to support arts education in Texas schools, ensuring that the arts receive more attention and funding within the state’s educational priorities.
The Senate has also begun to weigh in on education policy. Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) introduced legislation aimed at increasing transparency in special education legal proceedings, a move that could address concerns over the legal processes surrounding special needs students. In a move likely to spark controversy, Hall also filed a bill that would prohibit school districts from preventing licensed handgun carriers from bringing weapons onto campus. This proposal is part of a broader push by some Texas lawmakers to expand gun rights on school grounds.
Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) filed Senate Bill 56, which would designate chronically absent students as “at risk” of dropping out. This bill seeks to address the growing problem of truancy and absenteeism, which is seen as a significant barrier to student success in Texas.
Education a Major Focus Amid Political Shifts
Education is set to be one of the most contentious issues of the 89th Legislative Session, with school choice and curriculum control at the heart of many debates. With new coalitions forming in both the House and Senate, particularly around the ongoing race for Speaker of the House, the dynamics surrounding education policy could shift in unexpected ways.
For example, the Texas House has seen significant turnover in recent elections, and a number of pro-school choice candidates now occupy key positions. This could make it easier for Governor Abbott to push through his educational priorities, particularly school choice reforms. However, as seen in past sessions, education-related bills often face significant opposition from Democrats and some moderate Republicans, particularly those representing urban districts or communities that rely heavily on public schools.
The 89th Legislative Session, which officially convens in January 2025, will be critical in shaping the future of education in Texas. With a variety of high-stakes bills already on the table, the outcome of this legislative session will have a lasting impact on Texas students, parents, and educators for years to come.
