Bill > HB3435

This bill aims to make school meals more accessible by requiring school districts to offer lunch and breakfast at no charge to students, with some exceptions. The legislation phases in a requirement that school districts provide free meals, regardless of a student's household income. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, schools that meet certain eligibility requirements must offer breakfasts and lunches at no charge to all students. If a school cannot provide completely free meals due to financial hardships or federal law changes, they must at least offer free meals to students from households with incomes at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The bill directs the Department of Education to apply for federal programs that expand free or reduced-price meal availability and provides $4 million in funding to help school districts cover existing meal costs and upgrade equipment needed to implement the new meal provisions. The Department of Education is also required to reimburse school districts for meals that meet specific nutrition standards, with reimbursement amounts based on federal meal reimbursement rates. The bill includes an emergency clause and will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the substantive changes becoming operative on July 1, 2026.