The Republican-led Texas Senate passed one of Gov. Greg Abbott's top legislative priorities Wednesday: school choice. The vote came along party lines, 20-11. It came after hours of debate that began after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Lawmakers approved a number of amendments to Senate Bill 2.

Senate Bill 2 would devote public money to defray the cost of private education. Early plans would set aside $1 billion.

By print deadline Wednesday, the Texas Senate was poised to pass a school voucher bill that would offer $10,000 to students for private school tuition

Senate Bill 2 now heads to the House, where top officials say they have the support to create education savings accounts.

After seven hours of debate over Senate Bill 2 on the Senate floor Wednesday, the chamber suspended rules so lawmakers could expedite the process and send it to the Texas House for consideration.

Texas State Senator from San Antonio told KSAT the Education Savings Account Program does not benefit low-income families.

AUSTIN – The Texas Senate is expected to approve a “school choice” bill Wednesday that would let families use taxpayer dollars for private school education – the first major step for Gov. Greg Abbott’s top legislative priority.

The Senate passed different versions of the bill several times last session, but it's died in the House each time.

The Texas Senate has passed SB 2, which now awaits approval from the House. Here's what lawmakers say about the proposed school voucher program.