Texas House Bill HB2159

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to school district grace period policies and the provision of meals to public school students with insufficient balances on prepaid meal cards or meal accounts.

Impact

The impact of HB2159 on state laws is significant, as it requires school districts to adopt specific grace period policies and proactive communication with parents regarding a student's meal account status. This legislation aims to support students' nutritional needs and diminish the barriers faced by those with insufficient funds. Moreover, the bill prohibits the charging of fees or interest on negative balances during the grace period, ensuring that financial penalties do not further complicate students' access to meals.

Summary

House Bill 2159 addresses the policies surrounding grace periods for school meal accounts in Texas public schools, particularly for students who have insufficient balances on prepaid meal cards or accounts. The bill mandates that schools develop a grace period policy, allowing students to continue purchasing meals even when their accounts are depleted. This initiative is intended to reduce the stigma associated with insufficient meal funds and to ensure that students do not go hungry due to technicalities in meal account balances.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2159 appears largely positive. Advocates for the bill emphasize its role in promoting student welfare and ensuring access to meals for all students, regardless of their financial status. It seeks to protect students from being publicly identified due to meal account issues, promoting a more inclusive school environment. However, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for school districts, especially if the inability to recover negative balances adversely affects school meal programs.

Contention

While HB2159 has garnered support for its focus on student welfare, there are concerns regarding the potential financial burden on school districts. Critics might debate the effectiveness of grace period policies and whether they would lead to increased negative balances that could strain school budgets. The discussion surrounding the bill raises important questions about balancing student needs with fiscal responsibility, making the implementation of these policies a potential point of contention among stakeholders.