HB3435: Relating to school meals; declaring an emergency.

Legislative Summary

Makes school meals available at no cost. (Flesch Readability Score: 75.5). Phases in the requirement that school districts offer lunch and breakfast to students at no charge, regardless of household income. Provides exceptions. Requires school districts that make breakfast accessible at a school site to make breakfast accessible at the school site after the beginning of the day. Provides exceptions. Prescribes nutrition standards for reimbursable meals that are paid for by state sources. Directs the Department of Education to apply for statewide participation in federal programs and projects that expand the availability of free or reduced price meals. Appropriates moneys to the Department of Education from the General Fund for the purposes of paying any costs owed by parents or guardians for costs previously incurred for a reimbursable meal and assisting school districts in purchasing or upgrading equipment necessary to comply with the expanded provision of free lunches and breakfasts. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.