In a win for Texas families, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), the Texas Education Freedom Act sponsored by Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Salado), in the early hours of April 17, 2025, establishing Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to empower parents with more control over their children’s education.

This long-awaited victory, following the Senate’s swift passage of SB 2 on February 5, 2025, marks a turning point in Texas’ fight for educational freedom, breaking through years of House resistance.

A Hard-Fought Battle Overcomes House Obstruction

The Texas Senate, under the leadership of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), has consistently prioritized school choice, passing similar legislation six times since 2015, only to see it stall in the House due to opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. This session, however, Gov. Greg Abbott’s relentless advocacy, bolstered by his successful 2024 primary campaigns against anti-education choice incumbents, flipped the House’s composition, securing 85 votes (82 Republicans, 3 Democrats) to pass SB 2 with a final tally of 85-63. Only two Republicans, former House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) and Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R-New Boston), voted against the bill, underscoring the seismic shift in the chamber.

SB 2, which sailed through the Senate 19-12 as an emergency item declared by Gov. Abbott and a priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, is now that much closer to heading to the governor’s desk for his signature. TFR applauds the House for finally aligning with the Senate’s vision and the will of Texas taxpayers, who have long demanded educational options beyond a one-size-fits-all system.

Empowering Parents with Education Savings Accounts

At the core of SB 2 lies the creation of ESAs, funded with $1 billion to support approximately 100,000 students in its first year. Families can use these accounts, providing up to $10,000 per child annually for private school tuition, $11,500 for students with disabilities, or $2,000–$2,500 for homeschooling expenses, to cover a range of educational needs, including tutoring, online courses, and textbooks. This flexibility ensures parents—not bureaucrats—decide what’s best for their children.

Of the ESAs available, 80% of ESA funds ($800 million) are reserved for low-income families (households earning up to $160,000 for a family of four) or students with special needs transitioning from public schools, with the remaining $200 million open to all applicants.

More to be Done: Next Steps to Strengthen School Choice

Though SB 2 marks a meaningful advancement for school choice in Texas, there is still significant work ahead to ensure all families can benefit. The current program’s limited funding and strict eligibility rules mean that the vast majority of Texas students remain excluded (likely 98%). Restrictions based on income and previous public school attendance, risk creating a system that helps only a narrow slice of families instead of opening the door for all.

To truly put all parents in control, future legislation should remove these limitations, open access to all students, and streamline funding so that dollars follow each child, no matter where they learn. Without these reforms, the promise of education freedom will remain out of reach for many.

Driving Innovation Through Competition

SB 2 unleashes the power of the free market to transform Texas’ education landscape. By giving parents the freedom to choose, the bill encourages schools—public, private, and charter alike—to compete for students by improving quality and innovation. This competitive pressure will drive educational providers to prioritize student outcomes, fostering an ecosystem where excellence, not bureaucracy, defines success. While this is a step in the right direction, continued efforts will be needed to ensure that families across income levels can truly participate.

Protecting Parental Rights and Privacy

SB 2 reaffirms that parents are the ultimate authority in their children’s education. The bill guarantees full access to school records, empowering parents to make informed decisions. It also imposes strong protections on student data, prohibiting unauthorized sharing or sale of personal information. These provisions align with TFR’s mission to safeguard individual liberties and limit government overreach, ensuring families retain control over their educational choices.

A Forward-Thinking Victory for Texas

For too long, Texas families have been trapped by zip codes, forced into underperforming schools or burdened with private school costs they couldn’t afford. SB 2 begins to break these barriers, offering a bold, forward-thinking solution that aligns with TFR’s vision of limited government and personal responsibility. By empowering parents, promoting competition, and prioritizing fiscal accountability, SB 2 sets Texas on a path toward educational excellence and economic efficiency—but the work must continue.

As Texas grows, so must our commitment to ensuring every child has access to the education that best suits their needs. SB 2 is a testament to the power of taxpayer advocacy and the enduring strength of virtuous free-market principles. Texans for Fiscal Responsibility will continue to hold elected officials accountable, advocating for future improvements to expand eligibility and access, and ensuring this landmark legislation delivers on its full promise to transform education for generations to come.

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