The governor hopes to launch the program for 20,000 students by the next school year, a tight deadline for the state to meet.

Bill Lee on Wednesday will sign legislation designed to drastically expand school voucher access throughout the Volunteer State that will allow families to use taxpayer dollars on private school expenses regardless of income.

Gov. Bill Lee signs the statewide school voucher bill at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Photos from signing of the statewide school voucher bill Wednesday at the Tennessee State Capitol building

Gov. Bill Lee used his state of the state speech on Monday to take a victory lap. He touted legislative wins from last month's special session, especially the statewide expansion of school vouchers to allow more families to use taxpayer money to attend private schools.

While the $447 million initiative has been touted as a “universal” program for anyone interested, Republican leaders included a key provision: Students living in the country illegally will be prohibited from participating.