Texas Gov. Greg Abbott highlighted sweeping reforms, including landmark school choice legislation and record public school funding, in a press release recapping the state’s education initiatives in 2025.
The reforms represent the state’s push to become the nation’s education leader and touch every aspect of Texas education — from billion-dollar voucher programs to smartphone bans in classrooms. They mark a fundamental shift in how the state approaches student learning and parental rights.
“This year, Texas blazed the trail to become No. 1 in educating our students to ensure our state thrives for generations,” Abbott said. The Republican governor emphasized parental choice and traditional curriculum approaches.
Abbott signed Senate Bill 2 in May, creating the Texas Education Freedom Account program. The $1 billion initiative allows eligible families to use state funds for private school tuition and other educational expenses.
“When I ran for re-election in 2022, I promised Texans that we will bring education freedom to every Texas family,” Abbott said at the signing ceremony. “Today, Texas delivers on that promise.”
The program prioritizes students with disabilities and low-income families. It represents the largest school choice launch in U.S. history.
Public schools received their own windfall in June. House Bill 2 delivered $8.5 billion in new funding, including $3.5 billion for teacher pay raises.
“Now is the time to make Texas No. 1 in educating our children,” Abbott said during that bill signing. The legislation also boosted special education funding by $834 million.
Career training programs expanded significantly under new laws signed in September. House Bill 20 allows high school juniors and seniors to earn diplomas while completing certificate programs.
“A four-year college degree is not the right pathway for every student,” Abbott noted. The state will spend over $7 billion in career training over two years.
Technology restrictions formed another major pillar of reform. House Bill 1481 requires schools to ban smartphones during class time, while Senate Bill 2420 mandates age verification for app downloads.
“Experts have explained that smartphones and social media affect the mental health of children,” Abbott said. Schools must now provide designated storage areas for devices.
Additional legislation targeted cultural issues in education. Senate Bill 12 prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion policies while restricting instruction on sexual orientation and “gender identity.”
Religious expression gained new protections. Senate Bill 11 allows voluntary prayer periods, while Senate Bill 965 codifies employees’ rights to religious speech while on duty.
School safety measures received enhanced funding through Senate Bill 260. The bill increases per-student safety allotments for armed security, infrastructure improvements, and panic alert devices.
Libraries face new content restrictions under Senate Bill 13. The law requires statewide standards prohibiting materials deemed harmful or age-inappropriate, with parent-majority advisory councils overseeing collections.
The reforms reflect Abbott’s broader education agenda outlined in his State of the State address. They position Texas at the forefront of national debates over parental rights, school choice, and classroom culture.
