Bill > H3999

This bill aims to promote student nutrition by making several key changes: 1. It requires schools with at least 60% of students identified as eligible for free or reduced-price meals to implement the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or Provision 2 to provide universal free school breakfast and lunch, unless the school can demonstrate financial hardship. 2. It requires schools with at least 50% of students identified as eligible for free or reduced-price meals to implement CEP or Provision 2 for universal free meals, unless the school district votes to decline or the school no longer meets the eligibility threshold. 3. It requires school districts to take steps to maximize federal revenues and minimize debt on families for school meals, with the Department of Education providing assistance. 4. It prohibits schools from taking certain actions, such as publicly identifying students with unpaid meal debt, serving alternative meals, or denying students access to activities or graduation events due to unpaid meal debt. Additionally, for the 2021 calendar year, the bill allows schools to waive the CEP or Provision 2 requirements if they can demonstrate financial hardship.

Budget and Finance

House Committee on Ways and Means (H)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H3999