The Texas Homeschool Coalition, an organization that represents homeschool parents and children in Texas, is encouraged by the Texas legislature's efforts to advance education savings accounts. However, Jeremy Newman from the coalition still has reservations about other provisions of the legislation. He expressed his optimism about this legislative initiative, stating, "Yes, we're definitely encouraged. It appears to us that the legislature is taking this seriously enough that an ESA bill will actually pass either during this session or a subsequent one."

Both SB1 and HB1 propose education savings accounts (ESAs), which could benefit homeschool students significantly. "Both SB 1 and HB 1 give homeschool parents access to an ESA of up to $1000 per student per year," said Newman. These funds could be utilized by homeschooling families towards a multitude of educational expenses, including tuition for classes at accredited private schools, purchasing books and curriculum materials, and procuring tutoring services or therapies. In addition to these, HB 1 also accommodates costs associated with dual credit courses, transportation related to school activities, online classes and computer hardware for homeschool parents.

However, there are concerns raised by Newman over certain stipulations within these bills that could impede their usefulness to homeschool families. Specifically pointing out two problematic provisions in HB 1, he elaborated, "Firstly, it requires that all ESA participants take the STAAR test - a public school curriculum-based test." He explained that since homeschool students do not follow the public school curriculum, this requirement would render the ESA practically ineffective.

Currently, according to a press release from Texas Governor Greg Abbott's office, legislation providing education savings accounts for all Texas schoolchildren is being debated as part of their special legislative session agenda.

Senate Bill 1 was written by Sen. Brandon Creighton and passed out of the Senate with an 18-13 vote on Oct. 12, 2023, according to Texas Legislature Online. A week later, Rep. Brad Buckley filed the House version (HB1). Both versions include provisions for a $1,000 per student education savings account specifically aimed at homeschool children.

Texas Legislature Online states that SB1 was referred to the House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity & Enrichment on Oct. 13th, and HB1 is yet to be referred to a committee. The next step in this legislative journey would be for the Texas House to pass one of these bills.