MA H742

School districts may opt out of state non-income-based free lunch programs, including the universal free lunch program under Section 1C, and redirect those state funds for other purposes

Parents or guardians may individually opt their children out of the free lunch program even if their school district continues participating

Students whose families opt out may purchase school lunch at a rate set by the district rather than receiving it free

School districts cannot count opted-out students when calculating funding eligibility for the free lunch program, but may still receive and redirect those equivalent funds for other purposes

Amends Chapter 69 of the General Laws by adding Section 1C ¼