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.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced the first round of his top 40 priority bills for the 89th Texas legislative session, outlining a conservative agenda that includes school choice, banning THC, and placing the Ten Commandments in schools.

Gov. Greg Abbott declared the measure an “emergency item” in his State of the State address, expediting its path through the legislative process.