Bill > HB2402

This bill requires eligible school districts, specifically those with at least 50% of students qualifying for free meals through direct certification under the national school lunch program, to consider participating in the community eligibility provision, which allows schools to offer free meals to all students without individual applications. However, a school district can opt out if participation would cause financial hardship, provided they demonstrate this hardship in a public meeting. The state department of education will assist school districts in pursuing this provision. Additionally, the bill extends the application deadline for operating as a public innovative district, a type of school with more flexibility in its educational programs, from December 1 to May 1, and deems applications automatically approved if the state board of education does not act on them within 45 days, a change from the previous 90-day period. The bill also shortens the reconsideration period for denied applications to 45 days and requires the coalition board, which oversees public innovative districts, to approve or deny requests within 30 days, with requests also being deemed approved if no decision is made within that timeframe. Finally, it repeals existing laws related to these provisions.