public schools

State policy makers passed two major education-related bills this legislative session, one establishing a school voucher-like program and another allocating more than $8 billion for public school funding.

One of the most highly debated bills in Texas' 2025 legislative session has passed both chambers and heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature. House Bill 2 provides $8.5 billion for the state's public school system.

The deal, confirmed by three lawmakers familiar with the discussions, appears to strike a face-saving compromise for both chambers over how to increase funds for the state’s public schools.

The bill would provide a tax credit to match an amount donated to organizations that provide K-12 scholarships.

Senators will hold a hearing Thursday on their counterproposal to the House's school funding bill. House Democrats and public education advocates have criticized the upper chamber for not moving faster to advance the legislation.

During his full-throttle push to pass private school vouchers this legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott repeatedly claimed that funding for public schools 'is at an all-time high.' A TPR fact-check found that to be misleading, based on an analysis of state data and expert interviews.

The controversial legislation creates Education Savings Accounts, which will allow Texas parents to use public funds toward private education costs.

The controversial legislation creates Education Savings Accounts, which will allow Texas parents to use public funds toward private education costs.

The Texas House Public Education Committee was scheduled to meet on Tuesday to take up two high priority bills which would address school funding and the creation of a school voucher plan. But the meeting was canceled late Monday night.

The bill is based on debunked claims that public schools were encouraging so-called furries. Lawmakers have used the claims to funnel public funds to private schools.

If passed, the legislation would create a program where parents could use state tax dollars toward sending their kids to private schools. While it’s a priority for many Republicans, those opposed to the idea aren’t staying quiet.

The proposal would expand a program that allows districts to award bonuses to educators based on their students’ academic growth.