This bill establishes new requirements for school lunch programs provided by school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in Iowa. Specifically, it mandates that starting from the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, all schools must operate a program that serves lunches to students at no charge, regardless of family income. The bill also includes provisions that require these schools to comply with existing regulations related to free school lunch programs, ensuring uniformity in the application of these requirements.

Additionally, the bill appropriates necessary funds from the state’s general fund to the Department of Education to cover the costs of providing these free lunches that are not funded by federal legislation. The state board of education is tasked with adopting rules to effectively administer these new provisions. The bill is deemed of immediate importance and takes effect upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 256E.7, 283A.6