Louisiana Senate Bill SB245

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/18
• Refer: 3/1/18
• Refer: 3/12/18

Caption

Revises procedures relative to a student's inability to pay for school meals and a student's debt. (gov sig) (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)

Impact

The legislation repeals existing law which allows for withholding meals based on unpaid debts and establishes strict guidelines that prohibit stigmatizing actions against students unable to pay for meals. These include forbidding public identification, the requirement for chores, or the withdrawal of privileges due to owed meal balances. The bill outlines that any communications regarding meal debt should be directed to parents, effectively separating the child from financial discussions relating to meal payments, thereby protecting their dignity and self-esteem in the school environment.

Summary

Senate Bill 245 seeks to revise the procedures regarding students' inability to pay for school meals and addresses associated meal debt. The bill mandates that any public school governing authority, including charter schools, must provide a USDA reimbursable meal to any student who requests it, irrespective of their ability to pay or existing meal debt. This provision intends to ensure that no child is denied a meal due to their financial situation, thereby working towards eliminating food insecurity among students within the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 245 appears to be supportive from various advocacy groups and educational bodies that prioritize child nutrition and welfare. The bill is viewed positively as a necessary step to protect students from the stigma of unpaid meal debts while ensuring access to nutritious meals. However, it may face contention from those concerned about accountability for fulfilling meal debts, as it seeks to shift responsibility towards parents when a student accrues significant meal debt.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve the procedural aspects of how schools will manage cases where meal debts accumulate. Particularly, the accountability on parents to apply for free meal programs and the involvement of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in reporting persistent unpaid debts raises concerns over potential ramifications for families. Critics may argue that while the intention is to protect students, the process could result in additional pressures on families from governmental agencies if they fail to engage with the meal assistance programs.