Bill > HB4871

This bill amends the state school aid act to modify the free school lunch and breakfast program by increasing the state allocation from $100 million to $200 million for the 2025-2026 school year and simplifying the requirements for participating schools. Instead of the previous detailed conditions, schools now only need to meet the requirements of the free school lunch and breakfast program under the revised school code. The bill streamlines the reimbursement process by paying participating entities an amount equal to the federal rate per student for free breakfasts and lunches, minus other federal and state lunch payments already received. The bill removes specific requirements such as maximizing federal reimbursement through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), forgiving school meal debt, and encouraging meals for specific dietary restrictions. The definition of "participating entity" is updated to reference the revised school code, and the bill ensures that if the allocated funds are insufficient, additional money will be appropriated from the school meals reserve fund to fully reimburse districts. Importantly, this bill is tied to the passage of House Bill 4870, meaning it will only take effect if that companion bill is also enacted into law.

Budget and Finance

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4871