Texas House Bill HB4112

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to funding for the provision of meals to public school students with insufficient balances on prepaid meal cards or meal accounts.

Impact

The bill's implementation will signify a shift in state law related to funding for student meals. It calls for grants to be provided to school districts to cover the negative balances incurred by students using their meal accounts. This funding will be crucial to ensure that students can access meal services without interruption, thus promoting food security within schools. The bill's enactment is set to impact all public school districts in Texas, starting with the 2021-2022 school year.

Summary

House Bill 4112 addresses the provision of meals to public school students who have insufficient balances on their prepaid meal accounts. The bill mandates that school districts allow these students to continue purchasing meals even when their accounts are exhausted or insufficient. This provision aims to prevent students from going hungry due to financial constraints tied to their meal accounts. The bill establishes a framework for districts to notify parents of negative balances and does not permit the charging of fees or interest for these meals.

Contention

There may be differing opinions regarding the financial implications of HB4112. Critics might argue about the state's ability to fund the program sustainably and the potential burden on taxpayers. Additionally, issues concerning the privacy of students with negative balances might arise. Advocates for the bill, however, advocate for students' right to access meals as a basic need and stress its importance in supporting educational outcomes by ensuring that no child is denied a meal due to financial constraints.