The bill would effectively allow public money to be used by families across the state to pay for private education costs. It will now head to Gov. Bill Lee's desk.

In one of the most hotly-contested questions in modern Tennessee political history, the legislature narrowly approved a $430 million private-school voucher program that critics say will grow quickly to $1 billion and endanger the state’s budget.

The Senate sponsor defended the voucher proposal against critics who said it favors affluent families: “It shouldn’t be based on income. It should be universal.”

In the first full day of committees during Tennessee's special legislative session, Republicans pushed an expanded school voucher program.

Tennessee lawmakers were in a special session Tuesday, focusing on Gov. Bill Lee's push to expand school vouchers statewide. And while it's a top priority for the governor, a new study found most in Tennessee disagree.

The plan has been discussed for months. On day two of the special session, lawmakers and Tennesseeans on both sides are reacting on Tuesday.

Tennessee General Assembly meets in a special session Monday, Jan. 27, to debate expanding Education Savings Account, or school vouchers, statewide.