Texas House Committee Approves Historic School Choice Bill

The Texas House Committee on Public Education recently made history by approving a school choice bill for the first time ever.

Led by state Rep. Brad Buckley from Killeen, the committee passed Senate Bill 2, introduced by state Sen. Brandon Creighton from Conroe, which had already cleared the Texas Senate.

This bill proposes an Education Savings Account (ESA) program to provide taxpayer-funded financial support of around $10,000 per student, primarily targeting low-income families.

Both the Texas Senate and House have put forward budgets allocating a hefty $1 billion for this program, aiming to benefit roughly 100,000 students, with a focus on those from low-income backgrounds and special needs students.

These savings accounts are designed to give parents the flexibility to choose the best educational setting for their children, including private schools. Passing with a vote of 9-6, the committee also moved forward with House Bill 2, another school funding measure introduced by Buckley, which passed with a 13-2 vote.

Buckley’s educational package includes HB 2, HB 3 (the House’s version of SB 2), and HB 4, all of which implement new public school assessment and accountability processes.

This legislative push follows House Speaker Dustin Burrows’ emphasis on expanding public-school funding and establishing the state’s first ESA program as key priorities. Governor Greg Abbott has also identified public education reform and the creation of an ESA as urgent legislative items.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has been a long-time advocate for school choice and has consistently prioritized related bills in the Texas Senate, though they have often stalled in the House. Governor Abbott has praised the committee’s vote, expressing optimism by stating, “Texas is within reach of the largest school choice program launch in the nation.”

After previous setbacks, Abbott campaigned successfully to replace House Republicans who were against the measure, resulting in many new pro-bill Republicans taking office earlier this year. Abbott has acknowledged the collective effort in advancing school choice, stating, “This achievement was truly a team effort.”

He extended his gratitude to Chairman Brad Buckley and his committee for their dedication, as well as Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and Chairman Brandon Creighton for their persistent work. Abbott eagerly anticipates the bill’s passage in the Texas House and looks forward to signing it into law.

Earlier in the year, Speaker Burrows confidently stated that the bill would pass, and he has been actively promoting it alongside Abbott at various events.

According to a recent poll reported by The Center Square, a significant majority of registered Texas voters, 63%, support the creation of the state’s first ESA program. This support cuts across various demographics, with 69% of Black respondents, 62% of white respondents, and 59% of Latino respondents in favor.

Additionally, a notable 78% of Republicans, 64% of Independents, and 46% of Democrats back the program. A “Texas Trends” survey conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs and Texas Southern University echoed similar sentiments.

Among the nearly 2,300 Texans surveyed, 69% expressed support for an ESA program accessible to all parents across the state. Jim Granato, Dean and Professor at the Hobby School, highlighted that the support is widespread, transcending racial and party lines, and includes urban, suburban, and rural voters.

Interestingly, 63% of respondents from rural and semi-rural areas, who have traditionally opposed voucher proposals, voiced their support for vouchers accessible to all families. The ESA bill, along with other measures proposed by Buckley, now awaits a vote in the full House.