Substitute House Bill No. 7273 establishes a working group tasked with studying funding options for a universal free school meals program aimed at providing free breakfasts and lunches to all public school students. The working group will assess the projected funding needs, potential funding sources—including the possibility of a dedicated tax or fee—parameters for program establishment, and other relevant matters. The group will consist of key stakeholders, including chairpersons of relevant legislative committees, representatives from public schools and education boards, public health or nutrition experts, and other necessary individuals as determined by the chairpersons.

The bill mandates that the working group convene its first meeting within sixty days of its effective date and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026. The administrative staff of the finance, revenue, and bonding committee will support the working group, which will dissolve upon submitting its report or on January 1, 2026, whichever is later. The bill does not impose any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities, as it primarily focuses on the establishment of the working group and its study.