MD HB1254

Establishes the Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program within the State Department of Education to fund schools participating in the federal community eligibility provision for child nutrition programs

State will pay the difference between the federal paid reimbursement rate and the federal free reimbursement rate, as set annually by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Requires funding distribution based on concentration of poverty in public schools, with consideration for geographic diversity

Mandates $10,000,000 annual appropriation beginning in fiscal year 2027

Department must report annually to the General Assembly on program status and outcomes, starting July 1, 2026; effective date July 1, 2025