Overview
- Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock’s office confirmed Odyssey will administer Texas Education Freedom Accounts, including building the portal, running the lottery, and managing digital wallets and vendor payments.
- The contract allows payments of up to 5% of the program’s $1 billion budget, or $50 million over two years, with potential growth if the program expands over time.
- Provider onboarding and family-facing systems are planned this year, with applications expected early next year and funds available for the 2026–27 school year.
- Odyssey previously reimbursed Idaho after an audit identified up to $180,000 in ineligible purchases, and a 2023 lawsuit over its Iowa bid was later dismissed.
- Odyssey has hired Texas political operatives and appears to be the only administrator named so far under a law that permits selecting up to five firms.