Federal action would be needed to make the change legal. Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels have debated the question for decades.

The deal also provides funding for full-day pre-K, an extra $300 million for small and mid-sized school districts, and an additional $800 million for growing and rural districts. School safety funding would increase by $430 million. Special education programs would receive an extra $850 million.

The House and Senate have been at odds over their differing versions of the bill, which amounts to the largest single increase in public funding in state history.

The deal, confirmed by three lawmakers familiar with the discussions, appears to strike a face-saving compromise for both chambers over how to increase funds for the state’s public schools.

The Texas Senate is set to vote on a proposed bill that would classify the crime of "jugging" as a state felony, distinguishing it from o

The $8.5 billion bill for public schools, the largest increase in funding for public education in the state's history.

Texas lawmakers have advanced a bill to prohibit offshore wind turbines in the Gulf of Mexico from connecting to the state's primary power grid through state waters. Senate Bill 383 passed narrowly out of the relevant Texas House committee in a Tuesday meeting that wasn't broadcast to the public or recorded.

Texas lawmakers have passed a ban on non-medical sales of THC, the intoxicating ingredient in cannabis, sending the measure to Gov. Greg Abbott (R). “If it gets you high, it is not legal anymore”