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NH HB665

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/21/2025

Primary Sponsor

Muriel Hall

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands free school meal eligibility from current federal guidelines (130% of poverty for free meals, 185% for reduced-price) to households earning up to 300% of federal poverty guidelines (approximately $93,600 for a family of four in 2024)

  • Requires each school board to make at least one meal available during school hours at no cost to qualifying students

  • Funds the expanded program through the Education Trust Fund, with the governor authorized to draw warrants to cover costs

  • Estimated fiscal impact of up to $48 million annually from the Education Trust Fund ($16.6 million for breakfast, $31.7 million for lunch), covering approximately 50% of New Hampshire's student population

  • Takes effect July 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year

Legislative Description

Relative to eligibility for free school meals.

Last Action

Inexpedient to Legislate: Motion Adopted Regular Calendar 189-158 01/07/2026 House Journal 1

1/7/2026

Committee Referrals

Education Funding1/21/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available