Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will officially enact school choice in the Lone Star State when he signs Senate Bill 2 on Saturday, May 3.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Texas House of Representatives previously approved SB 2 in a vote that was largely along party lines, with just two Republican representatives voting against the bill.
This bill would implement a $10,000 education savings account for Texas children, which would allow them to attend private schools. $30,000 would also be set aside for students with disabilities.
Eligible students for this program will be selected through a lottery process.
SB 2 also establishes a $1 billion annual spending cap for the first two years.
Abbott was widely expected to sign this bill into law shortly after it was sent to his desk, but it has now been confirmed that the governor will sign it on Saturday.
Once signed, this bill will go into effect beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick applauded the work done by the Texas House and Senate during the legislative session, writing in a statement that “it is a great day for Texas students and parents.”
“As Lt. Governor, I have prioritized school choice and the Texas Senate has passed school choice six times since 2015 because parents should be able to place students in the educational environment that works best for them. All of the previous bills died in the Texas House, and I am so glad they have finally passed SB 2 this session,” he added in a statement.
The Republican Party of Texas also released a statement shortly after the bill was sent to Abbott’s desk and said, “School choice has been a conservative priority for the Republican Party for decades, dating back to the Reagan era.”
“We are excited to finally bring school choice to Texas, marking the largest rollout of its kind in the entire nation. As Texans, we do everything big, and this is no exception. We are grateful to have the support of 85 House Members in this victory, guided by Chairman Brandon Creighton, and Chairman Brad Buckley.”