This bill proposes to expand eligibility for free school meals to households with incomes up to 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, significantly increasing access to nutritious meals for students. The current law, which only allows free meals for those meeting federal income eligibility guidelines, will be amended to include children whose annual household income is less than or equal to 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Additionally, the bill mandates that each school board must provide at least one meal at no cost to eligible students and establishes that the state board of education will ensure compliance with nutritional standards and income guidelines.

To fund this expanded program, the bill includes provisions for disbursements from the education trust fund, which will cover the costs associated with the increased number of free meals provided. The language inserted into the law specifies that all costs for the school meals program will be funded by the department of education from appropriated funds, with the governor authorized to draw from the education trust fund to meet these obligations. The fiscal impact of this bill is projected to be significant, with estimates suggesting an increase in costs of up to $48 million per year, although the exact financial implications remain indeterminable at this time. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:11-a, 198:39
HB665 text: 189:11-a, 198:39