House Bill No. [insert number] introduced by Representative Lafleur mandates the establishment of food insecurity screening programs in public schools across Louisiana. The bill requires local school boards to implement a program that screens students in grades K-12 for food insecurity at the time of enrollment and once each semester thereafter. Additionally, the screening tool must be integrated into assessments during visits to school-based health clinics. The program will also include standardized procedures for addressing cases where students are identified as at risk for food insecurity, which may involve family outreach and referrals to community resources such as food banks and assistance programs.

The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of screening results, allowing disclosure only to a student's parent or legal guardian, the student if they are of age or an emancipated minor, and authorized school personnel involved in referral procedures. Furthermore, the Louisiana Department of Education, in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Health, is tasked with selecting a cost-free, age-appropriate screening tool for schools. Importantly, the bill prohibits school employees from using screening results to influence decisions regarding student instruction, academic opportunities, or discipline. The provisions of this bill also apply to charter schools, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all public educational institutions.