HI HB424

Requires the Department of Education to provide free school breakfast to students enrolled in department schools beginning with the 2025-2026 school year who qualify for reduced-price breakfast under federal programs, submit an application, and receive departmental approval.

Requires the Department of Education to provide free school lunch to students enrolled in department schools beginning with the 2025-2026 school year who qualify for reduced-price lunch under the federal National School Lunch Program, submit an application, and receive departmental approval.

Reduces the maximum price the Department of Education may charge for school meals to no more than an unspecified portion of the cost of preparing meals, except for students receiving free meals under the new provisions.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to cover the cost of providing free school breakfasts and lunches after accounting for federal funding.

Effective date is July 1, 3000.