Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB592

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

Protecting School Milk Choices Act of 2025This bill revises requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture.Currently, schools participating in the program may provide flavored and unflavored fluid milk and lactose-free fluid milk.Under the bill, these schools must provide students flavored and unflavored fluid milk. These schools maintain the discretion to offer lactose-free fluid milk. 

Impact

If enacted, HB 592 could significantly impact school nutrition programs by allowing schools greater flexibility in the types of milk they can serve to students. This amendment could enhance the overall nutritional value of school lunches by accommodating students who may have lactose intolerance or prefer flavored milk. The intention behind expanding milk options is to promote better consumption of dairy products among students, which is integral for their growth and development.

Summary

House Bill 592, titled the Protecting School Milk Choices Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. The primary focus of this bill is to expand the types of milk offered under the school lunch program. Specifically, the bill proposes that schools must offer both flavored and unflavored fluid milk, while also allowing the option to provide lactose-free fluid milk. This change aims to ensure that students have access to a wider variety of milk choices, catering to different nutritional needs and preferences.

Contention

The bill's progression may not be without contention, as discussions surrounding nutritional standards and guidelines for school lunches often invite debate. Proponents of the bill argue that providing more options aligns with contemporary dietary needs and preferences among children and adolescents. Conversely, critics may express concerns regarding maintaining nutritional standards and the implications of flavored milk on children's health and dietary habits. Therefore, it remains to be seen how the bill will navigate these discussions as it moves through the legislative process.

Congress_id

119-HR-592

Policy_area

Agriculture and Food

Introduced_date

2025-01-21

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB1539

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require schools to provide fluid milk substitutes upon request of a student or the parent or guardian of such student, and for other purposes.

US HB1619

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require schools to provide fluid milk substitutes upon request of a student or the parent or guardian of such student, and for other purposes.

US HB819

Protecting School Milk Choices Act of 2023

US HR922

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1147) to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to allow schools that participate in the school lunch program under such Act to serve whole milk; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 357) to require the head of an agency to issue and sign any rule issued by that agency, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

US HB4466

Renaming the National School Lunch Program Act of 2023

US HB322

Educational Opportunity and Success Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and otherwise revises TRIO programs. (These outreach and student-services programs identify and provide services to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.) Among other revisions to the programs, the bill prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from rejecting TRIO grant applications based on certain errors; requires ED to provide additional technical assistance to interested grant applicants; revises the outcome criteria for measuring the quality and effectiveness of the programs, including those programs specifically designed for veterans; allows program administrators to use a student's most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine TRIO program eligibility; and increases the maximum stipend for students participating in the Upward Bound Program or the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.

US HB3930

MILK Act of 2023 Milk is Indisputably Liked by Kids Act of 2023

US SB69

SOAR Permanent Authorization Act This bill modifies and permanently reauthorizes the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results program. This program provides education funding for the District of Columbia, including for private school vouchers, public schools, and public charter schools. In particular, the bill revises (1) the list of accrediting bodies that may accredit participating schools, (2) the manner in which tutoring services provided under the program are funded, and (3) the program's reporting and evaluation requirements.

US HB66

Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.

US HB5407

School MEALS Act of 2023 School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.