Bill would fund free school meals for eligible students

The Department of Public Instruction would give grants to school districts for students' school meals. The grants would cover meals for students enrolled in public or nonpublic schools whose household income is no more than 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The state would set aside up to $7 million from general fund money that has not already been appropriated. The money would pay for meals provided at no cost to eligible students. The appropriation would provide only the amount needed, up to $7 million. The grants would cover the 2026-27 school year, within the biennium ending June 30, 2027, and the Act would take effect July 1, 2026 if enacted.