School Vouchers Huge Step Closer to Realty for Texas Families

April 17, 2025 – In a historic shift, the Texas House passed a major school choice bill on Wednesday afternoon, marking the first time such legislation has cleared the chamber. After years of resistance, House lawmakers voted 85–63, mostly along party lines, to advance a school choice program championed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and the Texas GOP. The vote followed hours of contentious debate that stretched past 2 a.m., with Democrats introducing numerous amendments aimed at weakening the bill—none of which passed.

The legislation would create Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), allowing families to access up to $10,000 in public funds for private school tuition, homeschooling costs, and other educational expenses. The bill now heads back to the Senate, which can either approve the House’s changes or send it to a conference committee for further negotiation.

Gov. Abbott has made school choice a key priority, especially after last year’s Republican primaries, where he helped unseat GOP incumbents who opposed similar efforts. Prior to the vote, House Republicans met privately and received a phone call from former President Donald Trump, who encouraged unity behind the measure.

Only two Republicans—Rep. Gary Vandeaver and former Speaker Dade Phelan—broke ranks to vote against the bill. Abbott has vowed to sign it into law.