The Texas House gave initial approval to its priority school voucher legislation early Thursday, marking an end to years of resistance at the lower chamber to proposals that would use taxpayer dollars for private schooling. Senate Bill 2 passed 85-63, largely along party lines.

After hours of debate — and years of pushing from Gov. Greg Abbott — the Texas House approved a bill to create an Education Savings Account plan. The school voucher program would allow parents to use public funds toward private school costs.