Senate Bill 2 was officially signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott this month, allowing the state to create a $1 billion school voucher fund for private school students in Texas. Abbott has said school vouchers are about allowing Texas families to have “education freedom,” and opponents of the legislation say it will harm the state’s public schools.
Here’s what you need to know:
🤔 What Does the Law Do?
Families of any school-aged child in the state can apply for roughly $10,000 of taxpayer money to use on private school education or things like textbooks, transportation, and therapy. Students with disabilities are eligible for up to $30,000 more under the new law.
The money will go to families through state-run bank accounts. Public schools, in comparison, receive about $10,300 to $10,900 per student each year from the state and through local funding.
📅 When Does the Law Go Into Effect?
The law goes into effect on Sept. 1, but the program is not expected to launch until the 2026-27 school year.
💰 Who Can Receive Vouchers?
Most anyone can receive a school voucher. Students already attending private schools and students with disabilities can apply for vouchers. Students must be U.S. citizens to receive voucher money and cannot be enrolled in a public school while using a voucher. Students who are leaving public schools for private ones will be prioritized in the program, as will families at or below 500% of the federal poverty level, according to the Texas Tribune.
