MD HB704

Establishes the Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program within the State Department of Education to fund schools participating in the federal free meal program

State pays the difference between the federal "paid" reimbursement rate and the federal "free" reimbursement rate for qualifying schools, with funding distributed based on poverty concentration and geographic diversity

Requires $10,000,000 annual appropriation starting in fiscal year 2028

Department must report annually to the General Assembly beginning July 1, 2027, including program outcomes, student meal debt by school, and explanations from schools with 25%+ identified student percentage that choose not to participate in the federal program

Takes effect July 1, 2026