The bill aims to ensure that all public school students in Washington State have access to free meals during the school day, starting in the 2023-24 school year. It mandates that each school district provide one breakfast and one lunch at no cost to any student who requests a meal, regardless of their eligibility for federally funded free or reduced-price meals. Key amendments include the addition of these meals as part of the state's basic education program and the removal of previous requirements for schools to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. The bill also includes protections against stigmatizing students who cannot pay for meals and outlines responsibilities for school districts in implementing these meal programs.

Additionally, the bill introduces a statewide electronic repository for household income information to streamline the certification process for free or reduced-price meals, while ensuring that this information is exempt from public disclosure. It revises funding provisions for high school students enrolled in college courses, establishing a subsidy program for those qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The bill also emphasizes equitable funding based on actual student enrollment and needs, with specific allocations for various staff types and adjustments to class sizes, particularly in high-poverty schools. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance student well-being, improve access to educational resources, and support diverse student populations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.150.200, 28A.235.250, 28A.235.270, 28A.235.285, 28A.600.290, 28A.150.260, 43.62.050
Substitute Bill: 28A.150.200, 28A.235.250, 28A.235.270, 28A.235.285, 28A.600.290, 28A.150.260, 43.62.050