The $1 billion proposal, which proponents call school choice, would give students roughly $10,500 in taxpayer money for private school tuition.

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.