The proposed bill establishes a state program aimed at providing replacement funding for school districts that choose to eliminate reduced-price copayments for eligible students participating in school lunch and breakfast programs. The legislation emphasizes the importance of adequate nutrition for learning and recognizes that requiring families to contribute to meal costs can hinder participation and create administrative burdens. The program will be administered by the superintendent of public instruction, who will distribute funds to districts that opt to remove these copayments. Additionally, if the allocated funds are insufficient, the superintendent may accept donations and will seek further funding in future bienniums.

The bill includes an appropriation of $600,000 from the state general fund for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, with the intention that this funding becomes part of the ongoing budget for future legislative sessions. It also contains provisions for coordination with another bill, stating that certain appropriations in that bill will be void if this act is passed. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for July 1, 2025.