The proposed bill, SB1483, amends Arizona law to ensure that public schools treat students whose parents or guardians have not paid school meal fees with dignity and fairness. Specifically, it mandates that these students are not shamed, treated differently, or served a meal that is inferior to that of their peers who do not have unpaid meal fees. The bill also clarifies that schools are allowed to serve alternative meals to students with dietary or religious needs.
Additionally, the bill prohibits school personnel and volunteers from taking any disciplinary actions that would result in the denial or delay of meals that meet established nutritional standards for students during the school day. This change aims to protect students from negative consequences related to unpaid meal fees while ensuring compliance with nutritional guidelines. Overall, the bill seeks to promote equity and respect in school meal programs.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 15-120.05