Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB48

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/17/25

Caption

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

This legislative measure is set to modify existing state laws governing school meal reimbursements, particularly by guaranteeing that eligible schools receive reimbursements equivalent to the federal reimbursement rates for meals. Schools must participate in both the National School Lunch Program and the federal School Breakfast Program to qualify. If schools do not meet the eligibility criteria for additional state reimbursements, they will still receive some reimbursement but at a lower rate. This change is significant as it reinforces the state's commitment to child nutrition and the centralization of meal provision standards across various types of schools.

Summary

Assembly Bill 48 aims to enhance the nutrition available to school-aged children in Wisconsin by providing state aid to schools that offer free meals to all pupils. The bill proposes a framework under which public and private schools, including independent charter schools, tribal schools, and specialized educational programs, can receive additional reimbursements for lunches and breakfasts served to students. This is intended to ensure that no child experiences hunger during school hours and has access to adequate nutrition.

Contention

While the primary goal of AB48 is to facilitate easier access to nutritious meals for students, it may also prompt discussions around funding allocations and the administration of school meal programs. Some stakeholders might argue that the bill could impose additional requirements on schools, limiting their autonomy in deciding how to structure their meal provisions within the framework of federal requirements. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the financial implications for the state budget and how these reimbursements will be funded over time.