summary
Introduced
12/17/2025
12/17/2025
In Committee
03/04/2026
03/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the College Meal Plan Medical Exemption Act. Allows a student to submit to a postsecondary institution a medical exemption statement from a medical provider indicating that the student has a medical condition, allergy, dietary restriction, or other health-related need inconsistent with participation in a mandatory meal plan. Sets forth provisions concerning the submission of the medical exemption. Provides that a student who submits a medical exemption may not be charged any portion of a mandatory meal plan. Prohibits an institution from imposing other requirements, charges, or fees. Allows the student to voluntarily purchase an optional meal plan if offered by the institution. Sets forth certain housing protections, and prohibits certain institutional practices. Requires each institution to publish its medical exemption process prominently on its website; sets forth what information must be published. Provides for refunds and penalties for violations of the Act. Allows the Board of Higher Education to adopt rules. Contains a severability clause. Effective June 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the College Meal Plan Medical Exemption Act, which protects students with medical conditions from being forced to participate in mandatory college meal plans. The legislation requires postsecondary institutions to allow students to submit a medical exemption statement from a licensed medical provider indicating a health-related condition, allergy, or dietary restriction that prevents safe participation in a meal plan. Once submitted, the medical exemption must be processed within 10 business days and cannot be denied, and the student will be fully exempt from all meal plan charges, fees, and requirements. The bill prohibits institutions from imposing additional fees, changing housing assignments, or penalizing students who receive a medical exemption, and mandates that institutions publish their medical exemption process clearly on their websites. Institutions that violate the act can be subject to civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, with each affected student constituting a separate violation. The law provides that students may voluntarily purchase optional meal plans if offered, but cannot be required to do so, and will take effect on June 1, 2027, giving institutions time to prepare for implementation.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Assigned to Higher Education Committee (on 03/04/2026)
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