Bill > SB0740

This bill requires local education boards in Tennessee to establish school lunch and breakfast programs that provide free meals to students, with state reimbursement for the cost of meals for students eligible for reduced-price meals after all available federal funding has been applied. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to mandate that each local board of education create lunch and breakfast programs providing free meals to eligible students, and the state will reimburse local education agencies (LEAs) for these meals, subject to available funding. The bill references federal nutrition programs like the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, and uses federal guidelines to determine meal eligibility based on household income. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to the 2025-2026 school year and subsequent school years. The bill also updates related statutory language to align with the new meal program requirements, including how student eligibility for support is defined and described in Tennessee's education code.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0740&ga=114