Education: meals; free school lunch and breakfast program; create. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1271.
Impact
The introduction of HB 4870 is poised to amend the existing Revised School Code, specifically by creating Section 1271. Its impact may extend to increasing participation in national programs like the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Schools claiming participation will be required to meet specific federal and state standards, submit data regarding meals served, and maximize opportunities for federal reimbursement. This could lead to improved funding for schools that successfully implement the program while addressing students' nutritional needs.
Summary
House Bill 4870 aims to enhance access to nutritious meals for public school pupils in Michigan. By establishing a program to provide free school lunches and breakfasts to students in grades pre-K to 12, as well as those under 26 enrolled in special education programs, the bill seeks to eliminate barriers related to meal costs. This initiative is particularly focused on supporting students from low-income families and those with disabilities, ensuring that every child has access to essential nutrition during school hours.
Conclusion
Having provisions for accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences further adds to the bill's appeal and relevance. By mandating that participating entities offer meals catering to students’ specific medical or religious needs, HB 4870 reflects a commitment to inclusivity. Ultimately, if enacted, this bill has the potential to transform the landscape of school nutrition and improve educational outcomes by ensuring that every student has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
Contention
However, discussions around HB 4870 may raise some points of contention. While many stakeholders advocate for free meal programs as essential for child welfare, concerns may arise regarding the logistics of implementing the program, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and how it may be funded long-term. Some state legislators may question whether the bill adequately addresses the complexities of local meal service operations or the variability in school district capacities to handle such programs.
Education: meals; free school lunch and breakfast program; create. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1271. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5042'23
Education: curriculum; public high schools to offer a computer science course; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1166c.
Education: curriculum; public high schools to offer a computer science course; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1166c.
Education: graduation requirements; completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by pupils; require as condition of graduation. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1278e.
Education: examinations; references to M-STEP to include a state-administered assessment system under section 104d of the state school aid act of 1979; modify. Amends secs. 502, 503, 522, 552 & 1279g of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.502 et seq.).
Education: examinations; pilot programs for a state-administered assessment system; create. Amends secs. 11, 104, 104b & 104c of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 et seq.) & adds sec. 104d.
Appropriations: school aid; fiscal year 2023-2024 appropriations for K-12 school aid; provide for. Amends secs. 11 & 17b of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1611 & 388.1617b).
Education: meals; free school lunch and breakfast program; create. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1271. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5042'23
Requires certain nonpublic schools to provide meals to all students under "Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act"; authorizes limited expansion of income eligibility to qualify public and nonpublic school students for free lunch.
Requires certain nonpublic schools to provide meals to all students under "Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act"; authorizes limited expansion of income eligibility to qualify public and nonpublic school students for free lunch.
Requires certain nonpublic schools to provide meals to all students under "Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act"; authorizes limited expansion of income eligibility to qualify public and nonpublic school students for free lunch.
Requires public and nonpublic schools with lunch programs to provide free lunch to increasing numbers of income-eligible students and, after five-year phase-in, to provide free lunch to all students, regardless of income or federal eligibility.