This bill amends the State School Aid Act of 1979, specifically section 30d, to increase funding allocations for free school lunch and breakfast programs for public school pupils in grades pre-K to 12. The bill proposes to allocate up to $200,000,000 for the 2024-2025 school year, an increase from the previously allocated $170,000,000. Additionally, it extends funding for the 2025-2026 school year, which was not previously specified. The bill also modifies the requirements for participating entities to receive funding, emphasizing compliance with the free school lunch and breakfast program under section 1271 of the revised school code.

Furthermore, the bill removes several previous requirements for participating entities, such as the necessity to participate in the National School Lunch Program and specific conditions related to maximizing federal reimbursements. It introduces new language that clarifies the definition of "participating entity" and outlines the reimbursement process based on federal rates for meals provided. The bill also ensures that if the allocated funds are insufficient, additional funds will be appropriated from the school meals reserve fund to cover the necessary reimbursements.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 388.1630