If the author and all co-authors vote for House Bill 3, it would pass the lower chamber. The controversial program, also called school choice, would use public money to pay for children’s private school tuition.

The proposed law, which now awaits Gov. Brad Little’s signature, would direct $50 million to students who do not attend public schools.

Public school advocates oppose any plan resembling school vouchers saying such programs drain resources from the campuses that educate more than 5 million children in Texas. Supporters of ESAs say families should get state funding for the educational settings that best fit their needs.

The Texas House on Thursday filed a sweep of education bills including public school finance and school voucher proposals.

Families participating in the program could receive about 85% of the amount public schools collect for each attending student from state and local sources.

Texas Republicans’ demand for a school voucher-style program appears poised to clear a major hurdle as a slim majority of House members have signaled their support. Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated Wednesday that 75 Republican representatives signed on as co-authors to House Bill 3,

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he has the votes in the state Legislature to pass a school voucher bill. The Senate passed its version of the bill earlier this month.