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HI SR65
Resolution
Status
3/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Tim Richards
Click for details
AI Summary
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Requests the Hawaii Department of Education to provide free school meals to all students enrolled in department schools beginning with the 2029-2030 school year, regardless of federal program eligibility
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Builds on Act 139 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2025), which expanded free meals to reduced-price lunch students in 2025-2026 and to families at or below 300% of federal poverty level in 2026-2027
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Cites research showing universal free meal programs improve student test scores by the equivalent of six additional weeks of school
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Notes that for some students, school meals may be their only consistent source of food, and food insecurity increases risk of stress, depression, and chronic disease
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Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Board of Education Chairperson and Superintendent of Education
Legislative Description
Requesting The Department Of Education To Provide Free School Meals To Every Student Enrolled In A Department School, Regardless Of A Student's Eligibility For Participation In A Federal School Meals Program, Beginning With The 2029-2030 School Year.
Public Education
Last Action
Offered.
3/16/2026