The bill aims to improve student access to free meals in public schools, ensuring that no student experiences hunger while attending school. It amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), particularly RCW 28A.150.260, to allocate state funding for school districts to provide meals at no charge to all requesting students, regardless of their eligibility for federally reimbursed free or reduced-price meals. The bill also repeals RCW 28A.235.260, indicating a restructuring of meal funding and access. It emphasizes the significance of meal access for academic success and student well-being, and establishes that for the 2024-25 through 2027-28 school years, funding allocations will be based on the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments to enhance the development of a statewide electronic repository for household income information, facilitating student enrollment and eligibility for national school meal programs. It includes provisions for a secure online portal for parents to submit income information voluntarily and mandates compliance with federal requirements. The bill also revises the bonus structure for certificated instructional staff achieving national board certification, providing a $5,000 annual bonus with inflation adjustments, and extends eligibility through the 2027-28 school years. If specific funding for the act is not provided by June 30, 2024, the act will become null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.150.260, 43.62.050, 28A.235.160, 28A.235.250, 28A.235.270, 28A.235.285, 28A.405.415, 28A.235.260