North Dakota House Bill HB1553

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Report DNP: 2/10/25

Caption

School meal funding for all students in public and nonpublic schools and the legacy earnings fund; and to provide an appropriation.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws centers around amendments to the North Dakota Century Code, particularly sections related to school meal policies and the establishment of a legacy earnings fund. By prohibiting the rejection of meals based on unpaid balances, it reinforces students' right to access food without stigma or related consequences. Furthermore, the bill outlines appropriations for the Department of Public Instruction to facilitate grants to schools, enhancing the financial capabilities necessary for these provisions.

Summary

House Bill 1553 seeks to enhance school meal funding across both public and nonpublic schools in North Dakota. The legislation mandates that all participating school districts adopt a school meals policy ensuring that no student is denied a meal due to unpaid balances, a policy that aims to eliminate stigma associated with free or reduced-price meals. This bill is part of a broader refunding initiative to provide adequate nutritional support to students and aims to create a more inclusive environment for school meal programs.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1553 include concerns from school districts regarding the financial implications of enforcing such a policy, especially in the wake of existing budget constraints. Supporters argue that healthy meals are essential for students' learning and well-being, while critics may highlight the potential burden on schools to cover the costs of providing meals for all. The fiscal sustainability of the legacy earnings fund will also be scrutinized as it relates to long-term funding for these initiatives.