A new bill filed in the Texas Senate would create education savings accounts (ESAs) to be used for private school expenses, but it contains provisions that could cause it to be hotly debated in the state Legislature.
The bill, filed by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), would create ESAs of up to $8,000 to be used at private schools. Unlike some ESA bills in other states, however, families would not get the money upfront, and it could only be used for private schools and with other state-approved vendors, according to The Dallas Morning News. The measure also has provisions to help ensure that rural school districts aren't defunded, a response to criticisms of other states' ESA bills.
“Just a few weeks after Gov. (Greg) Abbott made education freedom a priority item for this legislative session, the House and Senate have successfully introduced several proposals that will ensure that all Texas parents are in charge of their child’s education, including universal education savings accounts -- the foundation of parent empowerment,” Mandy Drogin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation said on its website. “We want to thank all the legislators who have filed legislation to develop more and better educational options for every child this session, specifically Chairman Brandon Creighton, Chairman James Frank (R), Sens. Angela Paxton (R), Mayes Middleton (R), Paul Bettencourt (R), Donna Campbell (R) and Tan Parker (R), Chairman Briscoe Cain (R), and Reps. Jacey Jetton (R), Brian Harrison (R), Matt Shaheen (R), Lynn Stucky (R), Steve Toth (R), Carrie Isaac (R) and Terri Leo-Wilson (R)."
The bill would allow families to pay for things such as private school tuition, books, tutoring, transportation, uniforms and other materials. Texas Scorecard reported that the funds would be overseen by a comptroller’s office, and the vendors would be required to apply to the state for approval, meaning the schools would have to be accredited for the 2024-25 school year. Drogin said the measure is a step in the right direction.
"We look forward to working with policymakers, coalition partners, and parents across the state to ensure Texas is next in bringing education freedom to all and empowering every parent,” she told the Texas Public Policy Foundation website.
Abbott (R-TX) specifically called for legislation to make ESAs available to all students in his State of the State address, asking the Legislature to make “education freedom an emergency item.” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R-TX) also made public appeals for Congress to enact ESAs, according to The Dallas Morning News.