AUSTIN, Texas — In a landmark decision, the Texas House of Representatives has passed a contentious school voucher bill, allowing public funds to be used for private and religious school tuition. The legislation, a priority for Governor Greg Abbott, passed after intense debate and opposition from public education advocates.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 2, establishes Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) that provide families with up to $10,900 annually to cover private school tuition and related expenses. Students with disabilities are eligible for up to $30,000, while homeschooled students can receive a flat $2,000. The program is set to begin in the 2026–2027 academic year.
Eligibility for the program is universal, but priority is given to students with special needs and those from low-income families. A lottery system, administered by the Texas Comptroller’s office, will determine voucher recipients if demand exceeds available funds.
Governor Abbott signed the bill into law on April 24, 2025, calling it an “extraordinary victory” for parental choice in education. He emphasized that the program aims to provide families with more options to meet their children’s educational needs.
Proponents argue that the voucher program offers families greater educational choice and fosters competition among schools. They believe that introducing market dynamics into the education system will lead to overall improvements in quality and efficiency.
Critics, however, contend that the program diverts essential funds from public schools and lacks sufficient accountability measures. They express concerns that the vouchers could exacerbate educational inequalities and undermine the public education system.
The passage of this bill marks a significant shift in Texas education policy and is expected to face legal challenges. Opponents are preparing to contest the legislation in court, arguing that it may violate constitutional provisions related to the separation of church and state and the equitable distribution of public education funds.
As Texas embarks on this new educational initiative, the debate over school vouchers continues to polarize stakeholders, with implications that could resonate beyond the state’s borders.
