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 the existing statute 115.341 and introduces new provisions under statute 115.34, which outlines eligibility criteria for schools to receive additional state reimbursement for lunches and breakfasts. To qualify, schools must participate in both the National School Lunch Program and the federal School Breakfast Program, and provide 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 amends various sections of the statutes to reflect these changes, including adjustments to the appropriations for school lunch and breakfast programs. It specifies that if a school does not meet the eligibility requirements, it will still receive a reimbursement for lunches and breakfasts served under the existing federal programs. The intent of the legislation is 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 will take effect on July 1, 2026.

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