Senate Bill 67 aims to enhance state aid for public and private schools that provide free meals to all students by establishing a new reimbursement structure. The bill repeals existing provisions under section 115.341 and renumbers section 115.34 (1) while creating new sections 20.255 (2) (cL) and 115.34 (1g) through (5). Under the proposed law, schools that participate in both the National School Lunch Program and the federal School Breakfast Program will be eligible for additional state reimbursement for meals served, provided they offer one lunch and one breakfast at no cost to any pupil who requests them. The reimbursement amount will equal the federal reimbursement rate for free meals, minus any federal funds received for those meals.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific eligibility requirements for schools to qualify for this enhanced reimbursement, including participation in both federal programs and the provision of meals at no cost. If a school does not meet these requirements, it will still receive state reimbursement for its matching obligations under the federal programs. The bill emphasizes the legislative intent to ensure that no child in Wisconsin experiences hunger and that every school-age child has access to at least two nutritious meals during the school day. The new provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with transitional measures for the 2024-25 school year.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.255(1)(jg), 20.255, 20.255(2)(cm), 20.255(2)(cn), 115.34(title), 115.34, 115.34(2), 115.341(1), 115.341