Texas Governor Signs School Choice Bill into Law
On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott officially signed the School Choice Bill, marking a significant step after previous attempts to enact similar legislation in the state.
Following a Texas Senate vote on April 24 that ended with a 19-12 result, the House made revisions to Senate Bill 2, which was then sent to Abbott on April 29. The new law allows eligible parents to utilize public funds to cover tuition costs at schools of their choosing.
“Texas parents now have the power to choose the best educational environment for their kids,” Abbott expressed, sharing this sentiment on social media prior to the bill’s signing.
This law stipulates that children enrolled in the voucher program will receive 85% of the funding amount public schools currently receive per student, roughly translating to about $10,000 annually. However, since the program has a limited capacity, priority will be given to students with disabilities from families earning less than 500% of the federal poverty line. Parents of these students could potentially access up to $30,000 each year.
Despite decades of advocacy, this 2023 measure faced significant hurdles, with resistance coming from both sides of the aisle. Some rural Republicans voiced apprehension about the potential repercussions on their communities, particularly regarding access to nearby schools, as well as fears of further burdening already struggling public schools. Additionally, others expressed concerns over the estimated $2 billion annual cost associated with the program.
After previous legislative setbacks, Abbott reportedly took decisive actions against GOP opponents in the Texas Legislature and campaigned against fellow party members who opposed his agenda. He also managed to pass legislation focusing on education-related issues like classroom materials, school library content, and special education support.
Abbott has emphasized that expanding school choice is crucial for the future of Texas, particularly in light of declining public education standards that have left many students struggling with reading and math skills. This need for better educational options has led to newly energized calls for reform, as evidence suggests that school choice programs can help bridge the achievement gap for low-income students.
While many conservative states have implemented school choice initiatives in recent years, some states, including Colorado, Kentucky, and Nebraska, have rejected similar proposals. In 2025, around 114 bills aimed at expanding, adjusting, or limiting private school options were introduced across 30 states.
