Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan Senate Bill SB0500

Introduced
9/14/23  
Refer
9/14/23  
Report Pass
9/27/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of SB0500 is expected to have significant implications for state laws concerning school meal programs. The bill mandates that participating entities, which include public schools and certain educational institutions, apply to the relevant state department to partake in this free meal program. They will need to comply with several prerequisites, such as participation in existing National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and meeting federal and state nutrition standards. The bill aims to improve student health and academic performance by providing meals at no cost, thereby alleviating the financial burden on families.

Summary

Senate Bill 500, also referred to as SB0500, proposes to amend the 1976 revised school code in Michigan by adding section 1271. The primary goal of this bill is to establish a state-run program that provides free school lunch and breakfast to public school students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as to students up to 26 years of age enrolled in special education programs, including those attending the Michigan School for the Deaf. This initiative aims to ensure that every public school pupil has access to nutritious meals, addressing food insecurity among students in various educational settings.

Contention

While proponents of SB0500 argue that the bill will vastly improve student health and nutrition, there may be points of contention related to its funding and the feasibility of implementation. The requirement for schools to maximize federal reimbursement and to forgive existing meal debts could lead to debates about budget allocation and resource management. Additionally, the need for compliance with various federal and state guidelines may pose a challenge for some schools, particularly those with limited administrative support. These complexities might raise questions about the sustainability of the program and its potential operational issues.

Companion Bills

MI HB5042

Same As Education: meals; free school lunch and breakfast program; modify. Amends sec. 30d of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1630d).

Previously Filed As

MI HB5042

Education: meals; free school lunch and breakfast program; modify. Amends sec. 30d of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1630d).

MI S2320

Establishes new programs for free breakfast and lunch meals in all public schools.

MI H7400

Establishes new programs for free breakfast and lunch meals in all public schools.

MI HB696

Education; lunch and school breakfast programs for public school students; provide

MI HB4158

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.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4157'25

MI HB4157

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. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4158'25

MI S0074

Universal Free School Breakfast and Lunch Program

MI H0477

Universal Free School Breakfast and Lunch Program

MI H0119

Universal Free School Breakfast and Lunch Program

MI S0452

Establishes a statewide “Healthy School Meals for all” universal school breakfast and lunch program in Rhode Island public schools phased in over 3 years.

Similar Bills

MI HB5042

Education: meals; free school lunch and breakfast program; modify. Amends sec. 30d of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1630d).

DE HB91

An Act To Amend Title 14 Of The Delaware Code Relating To School Meals.

NJ S4055

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.

NJ A5684

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.

NJ A3126

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.

ME LD577

An Act to Maximize Federal Funding and Protect Maine's School Meals Programs

NJ A3123

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.

NJ A5573

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.