The bill would let families use taxpayer dollars for their children’s private schooling. Lawmakers also signed off on a sweeping $7.7 billion package to boost public school funding.

“For the first time in Texas history, our state has passed a universal school choice bill out of both chambers in the Texas Legislature,” Abbott said. “This is an extraordinary victory for the thousands of parents who have advocated for more choices when it comes to the education of their children.”

On Wednesday, lawmakers in the Texas House are expected to hear and debate bills that would create a private school voucher program. Senate Bill 2 has already been passed in the upper chamber and has the support of Gov.