Bill > HB1212

This bill increases the eligibility for free school meals to household incomes up to 350 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and provides funding from the education trust fund to cover the additional costs. It amends existing law to require schools to provide at least one free meal during school hours to any child whose annual household income is less than or equal to 350 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The bill also appropriates funds from the education trust fund to the Department of Education to make the necessary disbursements to school districts to cover the costs of this expanded program. The bill is expected to have a significant fiscal impact, with the Department of Education estimating the total cost could be more than $50 million per year.