Bill > SB5352

This bill aims to increase student access to free meals served at public schools by expanding and modifying existing laws regarding school meal programs. The legislation intends to provide breakfast and lunch at no charge to all students beginning with the 2026-27 school year, regardless of their family's income level. The bill recognizes that providing free meals supports academic success and addresses food insecurity, declaring that no student should experience hunger within a public school. Key provisions include requiring school districts to offer free meals to all requesting students, establishing a statewide electronic repository for household income information to streamline meal program enrollment, and prohibiting schools from stigmatizing students who cannot pay for meals. The bill also includes provisions for reimbursing school districts for meals and ensures that schools participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision can complete their four-year cycles. Additionally, the legislation provides some financial incentives for teachers working in schools with historically high poverty rates and creates safeguards to protect student privacy. The bill is contingent on specific funding being provided in the state's omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025, and includes a provision that would make the entire act null and void if such funding is not allocated.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5352&Year=2025&Initiative=false