The Texas House of Representatives has approved its version of SB 1, the state budget, following a lengthy session that concluded early on April 11. The budget plan, amounting to $337 billion over two years, was passed with a vote of 118-26. The opposition included 19 Republicans and seven Democrats.

The session, lasting slightly over 13 hours, involved the consideration of numerous amendments. Of these, nearly 100 were dismissed through a procedural move prior to discussion, including one which sought to impose funding limits on school voucher programs and another aimed at providing back pay to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for the period he was unpaid during his 2023 impeachment trial.

Ultimately, 25 amendments survived the process, with 18 backed by Republicans and seven by Democrats. A significant portion of the budget, amounting to $75.6 billion, is allocated for public education. Distinct strategies have emerged between the House and Senate regarding the utilization of these funds, with both chambers agreeing on increasing teacher pay, albeit through different methods.

The budget includes the establishment of a $1 billion school voucher program, referred to as education savings accounts. Unlike previous sessions, no amendments barring state funding for vouchers were introduced, possibly due to the existing support from 76 co-authors of the voucher bill in the House.

Significant allocations also feature $51 billion earmarked for property tax relief and $6.5 billion dedicated to border security. The next phase involves a conference committee tasked with reconciling the differences between the House and Senate budget versions to prepare a final draft for presentation to Governor Greg Abbott. Both chambers are expected to compromise on various provisions, with the finalized changes to be disclosed in the upcoming weeks. The state budget represents the sole bill that the legislature is mandated to pass during the session, which concludes on June 2.