MD SB769

Establishes the Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program within the State Department of Education to provide state funding to 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 for school meals, as set annually by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Requires the Governor to include $10,000,000 in the annual budget bill for the program beginning in fiscal year 2027 and each year thereafter

Funding distribution must prioritize schools based on concentration of poverty and consider geographic diversity across county jurisdictions

Department of Education must submit annual reports to the General Assembly on program status and outcomes starting July 1, 2026; effective date is July 1, 2025