The $8.5 billion school funding bill also allocates $4.2 billion for teacher and staff pay raises and $1.3 billion for operational costs.

Texas public schools are about to see a major cash infusion. Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday signed an $8.5 billion funding bill that delivers sweeping investments in teacher pay, early learning and campus security.

Lawmakers sought to close gaps in education and support funding for agriculture, disaster preparedness and health care this year.

State policy makers passed two major education-related bills this legislative session, one establishing a school voucher-like program and another allocating more than $8 billion for public school funding.

The lawsuit comes just days after the Legislature adjourned without repealing the first-in-the-nation law, which passed in 2001. (Via @TexasTribune)

Once again, education was a huge topic at the statehouse this year. From passing a billion dollar school voucher plan to a sweeping school funding bill, lawmakers made some big moves that will affect public education in Texas for years to come.

An agenda driven by conservative priorities, schools’ financial duress and teacher needs led to an $8.5 billion boost, new discipline rules, more Christianity in classrooms and a DEI ban.

It's the final day of the session, and lawmakers rushed several major bills to the governor's desk. Here’s what made the cut.