Participating schools would offer every student free meals once funded

Public schools would offer free breakfast, lunch, or both, depending on which federal meal programs they join. The requirement would cover attending students at public schools in the federal breakfast or lunch program, regardless of household income. Each student could receive one free meal per meal service period. The law would take effect only after lawmakers set aside funds and the Controller General publishes a notice. The free-meal requirement would start 30 days after the funding notice is published.

The Department of Education would reimburse participating public schools for eligible meals. Eligible meals are breakfasts or lunches that meet federal meal program rules. For each budget year, the state payment would use the federal free-meal rate for eligible meals served, then subtract federal payments for those meals. Lawmakers must set aside funds, and the Controller General must publish a notice before this rule can take effect. The reimbursement rule would take effect 30 days after the funding notice is published.