HI SB1192

Prohibits denial of school meals to students solely due to zero or negative meal fund account balance, ensuring all students receive meals regardless of ability to pay.

Requires the Department of Education and schools to use existing data sources (federal assistance programs, Medicaid, SNAP eligibility, government records) to directly certify all eligible students for free or reduced-price meals.

Prohibits schools from publicly identifying or stigmatizing students unable to pay for meals, including practices such as requiring wristbands, hand stamps, assigning chores to work off meals, or forcing students to dispose of already-served meals.

Requires schools to communicate directly with students' parents or guardians regarding unpaid meal balances rather than contacting the student directly.