The Senate’s education budget committee Tuesday approved a voucher-like school program, a day ahead of a scheduled meeting on the measure.

HB 129, called the CHOOSE Act, passed after a surprise meeting Tuesday afternoon. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, provides up to $7,000 to children to spend on education-related expenses, including tuition. The Legislature has to provide at least $100 million each year to the fund.

The first 500 spots are reserved for students with special needs, defined by a 504 plan or an individualized education plan. The program will be initially limited to families making less than 300% of the federal poverty line, or around $75,000 for a family of three. The special needs reserved spots are not subject to income limitations.

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Gov. Kay Ivey called for passage of the law in her State of the State address last month.

“It’s not the stated intent of this goal to directly increase standardized test scores. This is meant to empower parents put their child in the best setting that allows him to thrive,” said Nick Moore, education policy advisor in the governor’s office, in conversation with Democratic senators at the meeting Tuesday.

The committee took place after the Senate went into recess Tuesday afternoon. The bill was listed to be considered the committee Wednesday morning.

Democrats on the committee raised their objections to the bill, most of which related to removing money from public schools.

Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, said that removing money from the public school system would lead to “dismal” education.

“If you want to decapitate public education, at least say it so we’ll know how to deal with that,” he said.

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, also objected to the sudden meeting.

“There’s no way I would have known that we had this meeting,” he said.

The bill passed 10-3, on party lines. It goes to the Senate.