Bill > HB1958

This bill requires all public elementary and secondary schools in Virginia to participate in federal school meal programs, specifically mandating that schools offer free school breakfasts to any student who requests one, unless the student's parent provides written permission to withhold the meal. The bill directs the Department of Education to reimburse schools for each school breakfast served, with a limit of one breakfast per student per school day. The reimbursement amount will be calculated as the difference between the federal funding and the free meal rate set annually by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Schools are still allowed to attempt to collect payment for meals, but are prohibited from using third-party debt collectors to pursue meal debt. The bill also gives the Department of Education the authority to create rules for implementing these requirements and repeals a previously existing provision of law related to the School Breakfast Program that is now considered obsolete. The overall goal of the bill appears to be increasing access to nutritious meals for students by removing financial barriers to breakfast in schools.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1958