Senate Bill 740 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance school nutrition programs by requiring local boards of education to establish free lunch and breakfast programs for students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The bill stipulates that the state will reimburse local education agencies (LEAs) for the costs of providing these meals to students eligible for reduced-price meals, after federal funds from relevant national programs have been utilized.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding eligibility for free or reduced-price meals by specifying that eligibility is determined based on household income in accordance with federal guidelines. It also removes certain provisions from previous law, including a specific reference to program participation and a subdivision that is no longer deemed necessary. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to the 2025-2026 school year and subsequent years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 49-6-2302, 49-6-2303, 49-2-114(a), 49-2-114