ND
North Dakota House Bill HB1100

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1100

Introduced
1/7/25  
Refer
1/7/25  
Report Pass
1/22/25  
Refer
1/22/25  

Caption

A BILL for an Act to provide an exemption to continue free school meal funding for qualified delinquent meal debt and to provide for a legislative management report.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws by revising how funding related to school meals is managed, particularly focusing on 'qualified delinquent meal debt' incurred between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. Grants will reimburse school districts according to their proportional share of the total delinquent meal debt, which aims to alleviate financial strains on schools due to unpaid meal debts. The bill also requires the superintendent of public instruction to report on the funding and the total delinquent meal debt by school district, which suggests a move towards greater transparency and accountability in educational funding.

Summary

House Bill 1100 aims to provide continuity in funding for free school meals by allowing for an exemption that ensures funds allocated for this purpose are accessible even if unspent. Specifically, the bill stipulates that $6,000,000 appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Public Instruction for grants for free meals will not be subject to limitations regarding unspent funds. Therefore, any remaining funds can be carried over into the next biennium, covering the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. This initiative addresses the growing concern over delinquent meal debt among students, thereby promoting health and nutrition for school-aged children in need.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB1100 appears to be supportive, particularly among educators and advocates for children's welfare. The continued funding for free meals represents a proactive approach to addressing the issue of meal debt, which affects many low-income students. As this bill underscores the importance of ensuring that all children have access to nutritious meals, it has garnered positive reactions from stakeholders who are invested in educational and nutritional equity.

Contention

While the bill has received substantial support, there may be points of contention that arise during discussions, especially concerning the funding mechanisms and prioritization of resources. Critics could argue about the sustainability of such funding programs or question the adequacy of the proposed amount in addressing the broader issue of food insecurity in schools. Nevertheless, the overarching goal of providing free meals to those in need sets a positive framework for legislative debate. Overall, HB1100 can be seen as a legislative effort aimed at improving student welfare and equity in education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2328

AN ACT to create a school funding task force; and to provide for a legislative management report.

ND SB2284

School district enrollment, the definition of "probationary teacher", a school district's policy governing possession of a weapon, the definition of "dangerous weapon", modification of weighting factors, transition maximums and an increase in per student payments, and the school construction revolving loan fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide for an exemption; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2015

A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND HB1011

A federal assets forfeiture fund; to provide an exemption; to provide a continuing appropriation; to provide a report; and to provide for a transfer.

ND HB1004

The deposit of judgment funds; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a transfer; and to provide for an exemption.

ND HB1158

The homestead tax credit and income tax rates for individuals, estates, and trusts; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

ND SB2018

Permit fees; to provide an exemption; to provide a statement of legislative intent; and to provide for a legislative management study.

ND HB1480

A pay for success fund; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide for a continuing appropriation; to provide for a transfer; and to provide an effective date.

ND SB2012

The autism voucher; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide for a report; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

ND SB2013

The salary of the superintendent of public instruction, baseline funding, high-cost students, and regional library cooperative definitions; to provide for a transfer; to provide for reports; to provide an exemption; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.