The bill amends sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 of the Revised Code and enacts a new section, 3313.8110, which requires public schools to provide meals to all students, regardless of their ability to pay or any outstanding meal debts. The new section explicitly prohibits practices such as requiring students to discard meals due to inability to pay, performing chores to settle meal debts, or using meal service as a form of discipline. It also mandates that communication regarding meal debts be directed to parents or guardians instead of the students. Additionally, the bill tasks the Department of Education and Workforce with providing guidance on best practices for collecting meal debts and establishing an online payment system.

The bill further outlines responsibilities for sponsors of community schools, including monitoring compliance with laws and evaluating performance, while allowing for contract renewals based on compliance and academic achievements. It also mandates that STEM schools and college-preparatory boarding schools adhere to the same legal requirements as school districts, incorporating the new meal provision section into their compliance obligations. The repeal of sections 3314.03, 3326.11, and 3328.24 signifies a major restructuring of the legal framework governing these educational institutions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24