HI HB424

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

Students cannot be denied meals solely for failure to pay during the first 21 days of the school year while applications are processed, or within 7 days after their meal account reaches zero or negative balance

Reduces the maximum school meal price the department can charge from at least one-half of preparation costs to no more than an unspecified portion of preparation costs

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to cover plate costs for free meals after federal funding is applied

Allows the governor to modify provisions if necessary to avoid jeopardizing federal aid, with required reporting to the legislature