Editor’s Note: The above video shows Gov. Greg Abbott signing the education savings account program into law.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock released new rules and key dates for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program.

Under the rules, students enrolled in accredited private schools participating in the program, or certain at-risk pre-kindergarten students, may be eligible to receive more than $10,000 annually, or up to $30,000 for a student with a disability based on an Individualized Education Program, according to the Comptroller’s Office.

The office added that all other participating students, including homeschool students, may be eligible to receive $2,000 annually.

Hancock highlighted key dates for eligible private schools and vendors currently participating in Parent-Directed Special Education Services and will be invited to join the program through Odyssey’s portal on Dec. 9. The open vendor application will shortly follow.

According to the press release, the online application for Texas families will open on Feb. 6, 2026.

“Our mission is to execute SB 2 responsibly, transparently and quickly,” Hancock said. “These rules uphold the intent of the Legislature and keep the focus where it belongs — on students and their future.”

These new rules and key dates come after Governor Greg Abbott signed the school choice program into law back in May after it was passed by the Texas House and Senate in the 2025 legislative session.

This came after Abbott attempted to pass school choice legislation back in the 2023 legislative session, but was unable to get past the House of Representatives after 21 Republican members joined Democrats in opposition.

After the 2023 defeat, Abbott would campaign against Texas Republicans who opposed him in that vote to elect representatives who would vote for school choice legislation.

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