The Texas House decided to move forward with Senate Bill 2. SB 2 allows a $1 billion proposal to help families fund their children’s private school tuition through taxpayer dollars.
Before the passage of SB 2, a lengthy debate accompanied House Bill 2, which would “increase school districts’ money per student, raise teacher salaries and limit the hiring of educators without formal class training.” HB 2 would also improve special education assistance based on a student’s needs. Public school districts began dealing with budget deficits before the passing of the two bills.
SB 2’s 10-hour debate started on April 16 and concluded with a vote in the early hours of the following day. Republicans fully supported the bill, as this would boost support for Governor Greg Abbott’s legislation.
“School choice officially PASSED the Texas House,” Abbott posted on X after the bill reached its final approval among lawmakers. “This is a historic victory for Texas families. I look forward to this school choice legislation reaching my desk, when I will swiftly sign it into law.”
“Passing this bill sends a message to all of Texas. It tells the next generation of Texas leaders: Your path should fit your purpose. Your path should fit what’s best for you, and your family and your ambition will always be greater than any system or any institution,” Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Austin), education committee chair, shared during the closing of the bill.
Texas has in the past pushed its barrier when it came to education financing. It failed, as Democrats have shown opposition and rural Republicans called it a harm to public schools. As the 2024 elections approached, Abbott slowly obtained voter support and candidates’ approval, building a majority support for SB 2.
All Democrats and two Republicans voted against the bill.
“This bill is everything that is wrong with politics,” Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin) said.
Representative James Talarico, D-Austin, attempted to propose an amendment requiring Texan voters to approve the voucher bill before it can be implemented.
“This idea to send the issue of vouchers to the voters originally came from [former] Governor Rick Perry last year,” Talarico said. “A few weeks ago, a group of conservative grassroots activists came up with the idea of an amendment that would do exactly that. They call themselves ‘MAGA moms.’ These are not activists I typically work with, but this issue of private school vouchers brings people together across the political spectrum.”
The final Senate concur of House amendments and enrollment of SB 2 took place on April 24 with a final vote of 19-12. The program will grow by $4.5 billion per year by 2030. When the school choice bill reaches Abbott’s desk, it will be signed into law, beginning the launch during the 2026-2027 school year.
