SPONSOR: Murray
This bill establishes the "Hayes Act".
The bill requires all schools, as the term "school" is defined in the bill, to provide a free lunch to each student who qualifies for a reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. Subject to appropriation, the State Board of Education will reimburse schools for their share of the cost of providing free lunches.
Schools must determine which students may be eligible for free or reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Program and provide information and assistance to parents and guardians for purposes of filling out applications for the Program. Schools will not publicly identify or stigmatize students who are eligible for the assistance.
This bill creates the "School Meals Fund", which must be used to reimburse schools for the costs of providing free lunches as specified in the bill. The State Board of Education will promulgate rules to implement the program, including the process by which schools may apply for reimbursement.
This bill is similar to SB 131 (2025).
Statutes affected: