The controversial school choice bill allows for taxpayer money to be used to help qualifying students pay for private school tuition.

Texas Senators, guided by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, voted to approve the Texas House-changed school voucher bill, teeing it up for what will likely be Gov. Greg Abbott's immediate signing of his number one legislative priority.

The partisan school board bill passed the Senate by one vote and heads to Gov. Mike Braun’s desk. The Senate voted 26-24 on Thursday to give final legislative approval to Senate Bill 287, which will require school board candidates to declare a political party when running in a general election.