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 approach echoes President Donald Trump's rhetoric and underscores the stakes for Abbott after months of pressuring lawmakers to pass the priority measure.

The General Assembly’s two chambers have each passed their own version of an educational scholarship account bill that would allow families to use state money for private schools. The different proposals means lawmakers appear to be headed to a conference committee to work out the differences.

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

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,