Bill > SB0173

This bill establishes a Universal Free School Meals Program in Utah that requires local education agencies (LEAs) to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in public schools, regardless of their income or eligibility status, beginning July 1, 2025. Under the program, students are automatically enrolled, but parents can opt out if they choose, and schools will have the option to collect full payment from families who want to pay for meals. The state board of education will be responsible for developing opt-out forms, administering the program, maximizing federal funding by coordinating with the Department of Health and Human Services for direct certification of eligible students, and creating rules to ensure compliance. A new restricted account called the Universal Free School Meals Account will be established to fund the program, which can receive legislative appropriations, earn interest, and accept private donations. The bill also requires the state board to provide an annual report to the Education Interim Committee detailing the program's contributions, expenditures, and outcomes. Importantly, the program does not prevent schools from seeking federal reimbursements for meals, and students or their parents will not be responsible for the cost of meals provided under this program.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/SB0173.html