This bill aims to enhance education finance in Minnesota by increasing local optional aid for schools and modifying the eligibility criteria for state-funded free school lunches. It stipulates that state-paid free school lunches will now be limited to families with incomes at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes, including provisions related to school meals policies, school lunch aid amounts, and local optional revenue. Notably, it introduces new definitions for various meal types and establishes a framework for enhanced meal eligibility standards, which will be effective starting in fiscal year 2026.

Key amendments include the establishment of a new "enhanced" meals program, which replaces the previous "free" program terminology, and the introduction of specific funding amounts for local optional allowances. The bill also allows schools to set higher meal eligibility standards and transfer funds to cover meal costs. Additionally, it mandates that schools participating in the national school lunch program must provide meals without charge to all eligible students, ensuring that no student is denied a meal due to outstanding balances. Overall, the bill seeks to improve access to nutritious meals for students while providing additional financial support to schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 124D.111, 124E.20, 126C.10