Texas legislature sends education savings account program to Governor Abbott

A landmark school choice bill is poised to become law in Texas after clearing both chambers of the Legislature. Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which creates an education savings account (ESA) program for students across the state, now heads to Governor Greg Abbott, who has championed the effort for months.

The Texas Senate voted 19-12 on Thursday to approve the House’s amendments to the bill, marking the final legislative hurdle for the controversial measure. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, presiding over the Senate, declared from the dais, “School choice has come to Texas.”

What’s in the Bill?

SB 2, also dubbed the Texas Education Freedom Act, establishes ESAs, which allow parents to use public funds for private school tuition, online learning, tutoring, and other educational services. The program is aimed at giving families alternatives to traditional public schools, particularly those who feel underserved by the current system.

After extensive late-night debates in the House, the bill was modified with a “perfecting amendment” from Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Salado), chair of the House Public Education Committee. Buckley’s changes, according to Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), who authored the bill, enhanced rather than weakened the Senate’s original version.

“These amendments strengthen rather than dilute the legislation this chamber approved off the Senate floor,” Creighton told lawmakers while introducing the concurring motion.

Political and Public Reactions

The debate over SB 2 has drawn sharp partisan lines. Democrats in both chambers staunchly opposed the bill, arguing it would drain resources from public schools without offering real improvements for most Texas families.

“This is a Republican legislature that is passing vouchers,” said Sen. Molly Cook (D-Houston), criticizing what she described as a lack of support for public education funding. Her remarks prompted a pointed response from Lt. Gov. Patrick: “We’ll forgive you, you’re a freshman… Many of the people in your district support school choice. You need to look at the polls."

Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), although voting in favor, voiced reservations about the potential rise in private online education and its long-term impact on public schools. “I’m gonna go with it,” Perry said, “but in two years, I want to know that we’re tracking data.”

A procedural challenge from Sen. Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio), who claimed the bill violated legislative rules by including language on individualized education programs, was overruled.

The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus issued a statement after the vote, calling SB 2 a “deeply flawed voucher scheme” that fails to support the majority of students who remain in public schools.

Abbott’s Signature All But Certain

Governor Greg Abbott, a vocal advocate of school choice, quickly praised the Senate’s final approval. “This is historic school choice legislation,” he wrote on social media. “SB 2 is now on its way to my desk to be signed into law.”

Abbott has invested heavily—both financially and politically—in getting this legislation passed. His office has indicated he will sign the bill swiftly, likely setting the stage for the ESA program to roll out ahead of the next academic year.

Sen. Creighton hinted that another bill may come to the floor as soon as next week to address concerns raised during debate, including implementation details and accountability measures.

What’s Next?

If signed into law, Texas would join a growing number of states with ESA programs—part of a broader national movement to expand educational options beyond the traditional public school system. Supporters say this gives parents more control over their children’s education. Critics warn it could erode the foundation of public education by redirecting public dollars to private institutions.

As Texas prepares for a potential sea change in how education is funded and delivered, all eyes now turn to the governor’s office for the final step in what has been a hard-fought legislative battle.