House Bill 3, a proposed law that would allow families to use taxpayer funds for private school tuition, was the focal point of a Texas House Committee public hearing on Tuesday.
Lawmakers on both sides discussed how the bill would function if passed and its potential impact on Texas families.
Governor Greg Abbott has been a vocal supporter of HB 3, along with Senate Bill 2, arguing that they would expand parental choice in education. The bill is designed to prioritize low-income and special-needs students. However, critics argue that it may primarily benefit families already sending their children to private schools.
How the Bill Works
Representative Brad Buckley explained that House Bill 3 would create an education savings account (ESA) program, managed by the Texas Comptroller’s Office. These accounts would use state funds to help participating families cover a variety of educational expenses outside the public school system.
The bill sets priorities for eligibility as follows:
- Students with disabilities from families earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level (around $156,000 for a four-person household in 2024).
- Families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level (around $62,400 for a four-person household).
- Families earning between 200% and 500% of the poverty level.
- Families earning above 500% of the poverty level.
While the bill prioritizes lower-income families, it does not impose income caps, meaning virtually any Texas family could apply. This has raised concerns among some lawmakers.
Debate Over the Bill
Critics, including Representative James Talarico, worry that the program could disproportionately benefit wealthier families. Talarico also pointed out that private schools would not be required to accept students receiving ESAs.
Representative Gina Hinojosa expressed concern that the bill would divert significant funding from public schools. “One of the challenges I have with this bill is that it takes a billion dollars that we could be spending on public schools,” she said.
Representative Harold Dutton, who represents Houston’s Fifth Ward, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that the majority of Texas students remain in public schools. “That to me says our most urgent response ought to be to fix public schools,” he stated.
HB 3 has yet to be put to a vote. The debate over school vouchers is expected to continue as lawmakers weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposal.
