HI SB1192

Prohibits schools from denying meals to students solely because they have a zero or negative meal fund account balance, removing previous time-limited protections

Requires the Department of Education and schools to directly certify students for free or reduced-price meals using existing data from federal assistance programs, Medicaid, SNAP eligibility, and other government records

Prohibits schools from publicly identifying or stigmatizing students who cannot pay for meals, including through wristbands, hand stamps, assigned chores, or forcing disposal of served meals

Requires all communications about unpaid meal fees or negative balances to be directed to the student's parent or guardian, with schools required to attempt direct contact regarding unpaid balances

Takes effect upon approval