AFC Celebrates Texas House Committee Passing School Choice Legislation

Dallas, TX – The American Federation for Children applauds the Texas House Committee on Public Education for passing SB2 in a 9-6 vote Thursday afternoon. SB2, a committee substitute for HB3, reflects Chairman Brad Buckley’s and others’ hard work to build upon the Senate’s efforts.

If signed into law by Governor Abbott, SB2 would be the largest day-one school choice bill in the nation’s history. The bill now moves to the floor of the Texas House.

This bill would help ensure every child, regardless of ZIP code or economic status, can access the education option that best suits his or her needs, interests, and abilities.

Statement from Nathan Cunneen, Texas State Director, American Federation for Children:

“Thanks to the leadership of Chairman Buckley, Speaker Burrows, members of the Committee on Public Education, and countless families and students, school choice is headed to the floor of the Texas House.

The momentum driving states to deliver school choice is unstoppable. Parents are demanding the ability to choose the best educational path for their children, and their elected leaders are responding. We applaud the steadfast leadership of Chairman Buckley and all who have stepped up to support Texas students. We call on the legislature to move quickly to send this bill to Governor Abbott’s desk.”

Details:

• All six million Texas K-12 students would be eligible to apply.
• ESAs could be used for a variety of pre-approved educational expenses including tuition at a non-public school, tutoring, extracurricular expenses, transportation, special needs therapies, and more.
• If demand exceeds available funding, the program will prioritize students who are disabled or are from low or middle-income families.
• The program would be available for the 2026-2027 school year.
• Most students would receive about $10,800. Students with special needs would receive whatever they were eligible to receive in a public school. Homeschool students would receive $2,000.

About AFC:

The American Federation for Children is the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and the most successful force for education freedom in America, passing over 200 laws across 31 states throughout our history. Our affiliated Super PAC, AFC Victory Fund, is the only nationwide Super PAC focused on advancing school choice.

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