HI SB221

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

Maintains existing protections preventing denial of meals during the first 21 days of the school year while applications are being processed or for seven days after a student's meal account reaches zero or negative balance.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to cover the total plate costs of providing free breakfast and lunch after accounting for federal funding.

Takes effect July 1, 2025.