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In a landmark decision with sweeping implications for Texas education, the Texas House early Thursday gave initial approval to a $1 billion private school voucher program, marking a major victory for Gov. Greg Abbott and bringing the state one step closer to reshaping how taxpayer dollars can be used in education.
The House passed the voucher proposal, Senate Bill 2, on an 85-63 vote — a razor-thin margin compared to previous sessions, where bipartisan opposition reliably blocked such measures. Every Democrat present opposed the bill, joined by just two Republicans, signaling a major shift in political dynamics shaped by Abbott’s aggressive efforts to build support among conservatives in the House.
“This is an extraordinary victory for the thousands of parents who have advocated for more choices when it comes to the education of their children,” Abbott said following the vote, pledging to sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk.
Vouchers Gain Ground as House Passes Two Major Education Bills
The voucher bill wasn’t the only education legislation to advance. Earlier in the day, lawmakers gave preliminary approval to House Bill 2, a sweeping $7.7 billion public school funding package that would raise the base funding per student and increase teacher pay, especially for experienced educators.
That bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support — 144 to 4 — despite Democratic concerns that the funding still falls short of what Texas schools need to recover from years of inflation, staffing shortages, and persistent budget deficits.
While HB 2 was framed as a much-needed investment in public education, the voucher bill quickly became the flashpoint in a long and emotional debate, reflecting deep ideological divides over education policy in the state.
What the Voucher Bill Does
Senate Bill 2 would create education savings accounts worth up to $10,000 per student, which families could use to cover private school tuition, transportation, textbooks, therapy, and other education-related costs. The amount would fluctuate based on the level of state public school funding, rising or falling in tandem.
The program would prioritize students with disabilities and low-income families, although the bill does not guarantee their admission into private schools. Private schools would remain free to set their own admission standards — a key sticking point for Democrats, who warned this could exclude the very students the state claims to prioritize.
Opponents also noted that the average private school in Texas costs more than $11,000 per year, making even the maximum voucher amount insufficient for many families.
“If you're in a 12-foot hole and somebody sends you a 10-foot rope, that's not much of an option,” said Rep. Harold V. Dutton Jr., D-Houston, who unsuccessfully proposed larger vouchers for the lowest-income families.
Attempt to Put Vouchers to a Vote Fails
Democrats mounted a last-ditch effort to derail SB 2 by proposing a statewide referendum, giving voters the final say. The amendment attracted only one Republican supporter — Rep. Dade Phelan of Beaumont, the former House Speaker — and was ultimately defeated.
“This bill is everything that is wrong with politics,” said Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, accusing lawmakers of bowing to wealthy interests at the expense of everyday Texans.
Key Changes and Controversies
Lawmakers made several adjustments to SB 2 during debate. Among them:
Income Caps: The bill now limits the portion of the program available to higher-income families (those making over $156,000) to 20% annually — a cap that was originally temporary.
Private School Requirements: Schools must have existed for at least two years before participating in the program.
Oversight: The state auditor would gain more power to scrutinize organizations managing the vouchers.
Data Transparency: The state must publish detailed dropout, graduation, and expulsion rates for students with disabilities enrolled through the program.
Perhaps the most contentious new addition was a provision barring undocumented immigrants from receiving vouchers. Students whose parents cannot prove legal status would be excluded. Critics raised concerns about privacy, fairness, and legal precedent, since all children in the U.S. are guaranteed access to public education regardless of immigration status under Plyler v. Doe.
Public Education Bill Advances, But Questions Remain
The school funding bill, HB 2, would raise the basic allotment — the amount of money school districts receive per student — from $6,160 to $6,555 and tie future increases to property value growth. Forty percent of those funds would be set aside for non-administrative staff pay, with more for long-serving teachers.
It also revamps special education funding by replacing a one-size-fits-all model with funding based on individual student needs — an approach widely supported by both parties.
Still, many Democrats said the bill does not go far enough. Some school districts are facing staff layoffs, school closures, and other serious budget shortfalls.
Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, grilled the bill’s author, Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Killeen, on whether the $8 billion investment would solve the crisis.
“I’m going to take that as a no until I get a yes,” Talarico said after Buckley avoided giving a direct answer.
What’s Next
Both SB 2 and HB 2 now await final House approval — usually a formality — before heading to the Senate, which has already passed its own versions of similar legislation. Lawmakers from both chambers will meet in a closed-door conference committee to hammer out differences, especially around voucher eligibility, funding amounts, and how to handle special education needs.
With Abbott’s support and a newly aligned House Republican majority, the long-running battle over school vouchers in Texas appears to be nearing its conclusion.
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