School officials say that in the wake of Texas’ new cellphone ban in public K12 schools, students have become more engaged in and outside of classrooms.

Lawmakers also approved new teacher raises, banned DEI initiatives and gave schools more flexibility to discipline students.

Thousands of undocumented students who grew up in Texas now face college tuition costs that are more than twice what other state residents pay.

The spending package will give schools more money for staff pay raises, operational expenses, special education and more.

Texas lawmakers approved proposals that will create a private school voucher program, inject $8.5 billion into public education, give schools more flexibility to discipline students, expand religion's presence in the classroom, ban DEI initiatives and prohibit students from using their cellphones during the school day.

Abbott has already said that he plans to sign Senate Bill 2, a $1 billion proposal allowing families to use taxpayer dollars to fund their children’s private school education. Upon his signature, the program will officially launch at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

The bill would let families use taxpayer dollars for their children’s private schooling. Lawmakers also signed off on a sweeping $7.7 billion package to boost public school funding.

Texas Republicans pushing for vouchers often note that the state’s public schools receive more than $15,000 per student. But that doesn’t account for inflation or reflect the money districts can actually use.