Bill > S2532

This bill makes several key changes to school meal policies in Massachusetts. Firstly, it requires school districts or individual schools with a high percentage of low-income students (60% or more) to provide universal free breakfast and lunch to all students, unless they can demonstrate financial hardship. Schools with a lower percentage of low-income students (between 50-60%) must also provide universal free meals, unless the school committee votes to decline participation. The bill also requires school districts to take steps to maximize federal revenues and minimize debt on families, and establishes protocols for notifying parents of unpaid meal debt and determining student eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. Additionally, the bill prohibits certain actions that would publicly identify students with unpaid meal debt or deny them a meal as punishment. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on October 1, 2021.

Senate Committee on Ways and Means (S)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2532