Bill > HR4451

This bill, known as the "CARE for Kids Act of 2025," amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to expand and enhance direct certification for school lunch programs. The bill broadens the categories of children who can be automatically eligible for free school meals, including children placed with caregivers through child welfare agencies, children receiving adoption or kinship guardianship assistance, and children living with grandparents or in low-income or Native American housing. It also extends meal eligibility protections for children who transfer between school districts, ensuring that their existing meal assistance determination remains valid for an additional year, particularly for children living with grandparents or relatives who have legal custody or are in the process of obtaining legal custody. Additionally, the bill modifies Medicaid direct certification rules to include more children receiving medical assistance, such as those under specific state plan provisions or supplemental security income benefits. These changes aim to simplify the process of accessing school meal benefits for vulnerable children and reduce administrative barriers for families experiencing transitions or receiving support services.

Education

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4451/all-info