HI HB1561

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, public charter schools participating in the National School Lunch Program must provide free breakfast and lunch to students whose family income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.

No student may be denied a meal solely for failure to pay, regardless of negative account balance.

The State Public Charter School Commission may adopt rules for collecting funds from accounts with negative balances, but cannot prohibit feeding students.

Appropriates unspecified general fund revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027 to subsidize meals at public charter schools for eligible students.

The governor may modify provisions if necessary to avoid jeopardizing federal aid, but must report any modifications to the legislature.