Bill > SB1374

This bill mandates that federal funds allocated to the State Department of Education for child nutrition programs, which include the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, must be used to provide free school breakfasts and lunches to all qualifying students, defined as students in kindergarten through twelfth grade enrolled in public schools who are eligible for reduced-price meals. Consequently, public schools are prohibited from charging these qualifying students any co-payment for reduced-price meals. If federal funds are insufficient to cover the cost of eliminating these co-payments, the Department is authorized to use other legally available funds to ensure free meals are provided. The bill also requires the State Department of Education to submit an annual report to the Legislature by November 15th detailing information about child nutrition programs, including application procedures and student participation numbers, and mandates that the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency conduct an audit of these programs by December 15, 2026, to report on their effectiveness and compliance with laws. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with an emergency clause allowing it to be in force immediately upon passage and approval.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1374&Session=2600