Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock Announces Final Rules and Key Dates for Texas Education Freedom Accounts Program
(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock today announced the adoption of final administrative rules (PDF) governing the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, the education choice initiative enacted by the Texas Legislature earlier this year in Senate Bill (SB) 2. Rules were formally filed today with the Texas Secretary of State and will become effective 20 days from filing.
“These administrative rules, like the program itself, put Texas parents in the driver’s seat,” Hancock said. “We are executing the letter of the law as passed by the Legislature, and we’re doing it with families and students at the center of every decision. Education freedom accounts are about opening doors, expanding opportunities and giving each Texas child the chance to succeed in the environment that fits them best.”
The Comptroller’s office published proposed rules in late August and subsequently held a public hearing to receive input. In addition to comments received during that hearing, our office received more than 300 formal public comments in writing. The final rules reflect that input while remaining faithful to the law as passed by the Texas House and Senate.
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 (IEP). All other participating students, including homeschool students, may be eligible to receive $2,000 annually.
The rules clarify that:
- A family’s adjusted gross income will be used in determining prioritization for participation.
- Families of students with disabilities may submit a licensed expert’s evaluation for prioritization, but an IEP is required to qualify for the additional financial support.
- Participating students who remain in good standing will not need to reapply each year.
Additionally, accredited private schools may participate if they have operated any campus for at least two years, whether in Texas or outside of the state, and administer a nationally norm-referenced assessment. Accredited private virtual schools must have a Texas business location. The rules do not impose additional operational requirements beyond those established in statute and accreditation standards.
Two major dates for rollout have also been finalized. Eligible accredited private schools and vendors currently participating in the Parent-Directed Special Education Services will be invited to join the program through Odyssey’s portal on Dec. 9, 2025. An open vendor application will shortly follow. The online application for Texas families will open Feb. 4, 2026, well in advance of the 2026–27 school year.
“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. Since first serving on our local school board more than 30 years ago, I have believed parents – not a ZIP code – should determine their kids’ educational opportunities. It’s an honor to get this program up and running for Texans.”
The final rules will be published in the Texas Register and are available on the Comptroller’s website (PDF). Additional guidance materials and instructions will be released in the coming weeks.
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