Texas House Passes $7.7 Billion School Finance Bill to Boost Public Education

The Texas House took a major step toward transforming the state’s education system on Wednesday, approving a $7.7 billion school finance bill aimed at boosting funding for neighborhood schools. Lawmakers passed the bill with overwhelming support in a 144-4 vote, sending it next to the Texas Senate, where a different version awaits further negotiation.

As the session progresses, lawmakers from both chambers will engage in intense talks to align their proposals. With a deadline at the end of May, legislators must finalize the bill soon to ensure the additional funding reaches Texas students.

Despite the positive momentum, the proposal could face delays due to a controversial push to allow families to use public school funds for private and home schooling. A similar effort in 2023 failed after strong bipartisan opposition and ultimately derailed a previous school finance plan.

Still, Speaker Dustin Burrows remains optimistic. Speaking to NBC 5, he expressed confidence that both the finance bill and the school choice measure will pass. “Texas public schools are the backbone of our communities,” Burrows said. “House Bill 2 lays the foundation for a modernized, responsive school finance system that will grow with the needs of Texas students.”

HB 2, spearheaded by Public Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley (R-Salado) and Vice Chair Diego Bernal (D-San Antonio), outlines sweeping reforms. It proposes $3 billion to increase the per-student basic allotment and improve teacher and staff salaries. Rural and mid-sized schools would receive $1 billion, while $1.5 billion would support special education. Another $1.5 billion is designated for expanding Pre-K and bilingual education programs.

Ahead of the vote, Burrows, Buckley, and Bernal joined several school superintendents in a press conference to champion the bill, emphasizing its long-term impact on Texas’ educational landscape.