Bill > HB0515

This bill establishes the School Meal Debt Relief Grant Program to help local education agencies (LEAs) address outstanding school meal debt for currently enrolled students. The program, which will begin in September 2026, allows LEAs to apply for state funding to relieve meal debt, with the State Board of Education responsible for creating an application process and distributing funds. The board will prioritize applications based on the greatest need and potential community benefit, with strict guidelines that funds can only be used for meal debt of currently enrolled students who do not already qualify for free meal programs. LEAs must provide detailed documentation about the meal debt, including verification that the debt is from current students and has not been covered by other meal assistance programs. The bill includes a one-time appropriation of $2 million from the Public Education Economic Stabilization Restricted Account to support the program, and requires the State Board of Education to report to the Education Interim Committee about the program's implementation, applications received, fund usage, and impact. The program aims to reduce financial barriers for students by helping schools clear unpaid meal balances.

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0515.html