This bill amends sections 15.1-07-38 and 21-10-13 of the North Dakota Century Code to expand school meal funding to include all students in both public and nonpublic schools, ensuring that meals are provided at no cost. The bill removes previous stipulations that allowed schools to deny meals based on unpaid balances and prohibits any form of stigmatization for students receiving free or reduced-price meals. It mandates that all schools must offer breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost and encourages schools to promote applications for free or reduced meals.

Additionally, the bill modifies the legacy earnings fund provisions to allocate $140 million specifically for the Department of Public Instruction's operating fund to support the provision of free meals for students. This funding is part of a broader appropriation strategy that includes transfers to various funds, ensuring that the financial resources are available for the implementation of these meal programs over the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is tasked with developing guidelines and reporting requirements for the distribution of these grants.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15.1-07-38, 21-10-13