If the author and all co-authors vote for House Bill 3, it would pass the lower chamber. The controversial program, also called school choice, would use public money to pay for children’s private school tuition.

The approach echoes President Donald Trump's rhetoric and underscores the stakes for Abbott after months of pressuring lawmakers to pass the priority measure.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said school choice won't take away funding from Texas high school football, but many coaches are skeptics.