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ME LD776

ME LD776
An Act to Provide Free School Lunches to Special Purpose Private Schools That Receive Students from the Public School System


summary

Introduced
02/26/2025
In Committee
02/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/06/2025

Introduced Session

132nd Legislature

Bill Summary

This bill amends the laws governing school food service programs to provide free school lunches to special purpose private schools that receive publicly funded students and participate in the National School Lunch Program in accordance with 7 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 210 (2007).

AI Summary

This bill amends existing Maine school food service laws to extend free lunch provisions to special purpose private schools that receive publicly funded students. Specifically, the bill requires these schools to provide free lunches to eligible students if they participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and enroll at least 60% publicly funded students, as determined by the previous year's October and April enrollment averages. The state will provide funding to cover the difference between federal reimbursements and the cost of lunches for students eligible for reduced-price meals and those ineligible for free or reduced-price meals. The bill ensures that students at these special purpose private schools receive meals that meet federal National School Lunch Program requirements at no cost, mirroring existing provisions for public schools and private schools approved for tuition purposes. The goal appears to be creating equity in school lunch access for students attending special purpose private schools that serve a significant number of publicly funded students.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/06/2025)

bill text


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