Governor Abbott Signs Landmark School Choice Law, Creating Nation’s Largest Program

In a historic move for Texas education policy, Governor Greg Abbott (R) signed Senate Bill 2 into law, establishing the largest day-one school choice program in the nation. Surrounded by hundreds of parents, students, and advocates at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, Abbott declared the new law a promise fulfilled.

“When I ran for re-election in 2022, I promised Texans that we will bring education freedom to every Texas family,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, Texas delivers on that promise.”

The legislation, known as the Texas Education Freedom Act, creates an Education Savings Account (ESA) program that allows eligible students to use public funds for private school tuition, instructional materials, and other approved educational services. With $1 billion allocated for its initial rollout in 2026-2027, the program marks a major shift in how Texas families can approach education.

“Parents will now be able to choose the best educational environment for their children,” said Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R), who called the law “one of the hallmark policy victories” of his career.

Patrick noted the Texas Senate has passed school choice legislation six times since 2015, and praised the House for finally joining in passing SB2.

Speaker Dustin Burrows highlighted the bill’s broader impact. “School choice, paired with the House’s additional proposal to initiate the largest increase in public education funding in Texas history, will elevate the overall quality of our educational system,” he said.

Chairman Brandon Creighton, SB2’s lead sponsor in the Senate, called the law a “once-in-a-generation shift” for the state. “We’re telling every parent in Texas: you are trusted, you are respected, and you are in charge.”

Supporters also included educators and parents directly affected by the new law.

Joel Enge, director of Kingdom Life Academy and a former public-school teacher, said, “In the low-income and minority community where I live and teach, too many students have fallen through the cracks. Now... families will finally have the opportunity to choose.”

Senate Bill 2 now puts Texas at the forefront of the national school choice movement, signaling a bold new direction in education policy and expanding options for students statewide.