This bill amends current law to allow school boards in New Hampshire to increase the eligibility for free meals to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. It introduces new provisions into RSA 189:11-a, enabling school boards to vote on this eligibility increase while ensuring that meals served to students who meet federal income guidelines will continue to receive reimbursement according to federal law. Additionally, the state will reimburse schools for meals not covered by federal guidelines at a rate that covers 50 percent of the difference between federal reimbursement rates for free and reduced-price meals or paid meals. The bill also mandates the Department of Education to adopt rules requiring school districts to provide both online and physical applications for free meals and to offer technical assistance for establishing online applications.

The bill includes appropriations totaling $357,000 for the Department of Education for the biennium ending June 30, 2026, aimed at covering administrative costs related to the new meal eligibility program and reimbursements for software purchases necessary for online applications. While the bill does not provide additional funding for state nutrition reimbursements, it estimates potential reimbursement costs could reach approximately $6.9 million annually, depending on how many school boards opt to raise eligibility for free meals. Furthermore, it proposes a new funding mechanism to support lunch reimbursements for students with family incomes between 185% and 200% of the federal reduced-price guidelines, estimating a state payment of $2.00 per lunch for around 12,464 students. The fiscal impact at the local school district level remains indeterminable, as it will depend on various factors, including individual district decisions on meal eligibility and associated costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:11-a
As Amended by the Senate: 189:11-a