This bill establishes a system for the automatic enrollment of eligible students in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program, unless their parent or guardian opts out. It amends RSA 189:11 by adding a new paragraph that requires school districts and school administrative units (SAUs) to provide the Department of Health and Human Services with the names, dates of birth, and household addresses of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Additionally, it mandates that parents or guardians receive a distinct notice and opt-out form alongside the annual application for free and reduced-price meals, ensuring that if the opt-out form is not returned, the student will be automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT program.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section to RSA 161, which requires the Department of Health and Human Services to create a secure electronic mechanism for receiving student data from school districts and SAUs for Summer EBT enrollment. The department is also tasked with providing standardized language for the notice and opt-out form, informing parents that completing the school meal application may lead to automatic enrollment unless they choose to opt out. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage, and the Department of Health and Human Services has indicated that there will be no fiscal impact due to existing agreements with the Department of Education regarding the Summer EBT program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:68
As Amended by the House: 189:68
As Amended by the Senate: 189:11
HB1727 text: 189:68