NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S2146

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2146

Introduced
3/7/22  

Caption

Requires school districts take certain actions to increase participation in free or reduced priced meal programs; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.

Impact

The bill categorically prohibits shaming students who have outstanding meal debts. It mandates that students must not be treated differently, served inferior meals, or publicly humiliated due to their inability to pay for school meals. These regulations are significant as they aim to prevent the stigmatization of economically disadvantaged students and ensure that all students have equitable access to nutrition during school hours. This could lead to broader implications regarding mental health and social dynamics among students.

Summary

Senate Bill S2146 aims to enhance the accessibility and participation of students in free or reduced-price meal programs within New Jersey school districts. It requires school districts to take specific actions before denying meal services to students, mandating that they exhaust all options for directly certifying students for these meal programs before contacting parents regarding any arrearage. This means that schools have a responsibility to ensure families are aware of the assistance available and help them navigate the application process when necessary, promoting higher enrollment in meal programs.

Contention

However, the legislation has sparked debate among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that it promotes a more inclusive school environment and protects vulnerable children from social stigma. Critics, on the other hand, raise concerns about the financial implications for school districts and the enforcement of these new regulations. They worry about how schools will balance their budgets while complying with the mandates of the bill. Furthermore, there are discussions around the practicality of implementing these rules effectively, especially in districts with limited resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1755

Requires school districts take certain actions to increase participation in free or reduced priced meal programs; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.

NJ A1821

Requires school districts to take certain actions in circumstances when school meal bill is in arrears; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.

NJ A1600

Requires school districts to take certain actions in circumstances when school meal bill is in arrears; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.

NJ SF5067

School district using of a collections agency to collect unpaid school meals debts prohibition; student unpaid school meals debt cancelling authorization

NJ HB703

Relative to prohibiting school districts from denying meals to students with unpaid meal balances, and making an appropriation therefor.

NJ S530

Requires certain school meal information be provided to public school students' parents and requires school districts to request that families apply for school meals under certain circumstances.

NJ A5164

Requires certain school meal information be provided to public school students' parents and requires school districts to request that families apply for school meals under certain circumstances.

NJ S1508

Requires schools to universally provide free meals to all students, regardless of whether students are federally eligible for free or reduced price meals.

NJ S1531

Requires schools to universally provide free meals to all students, regardless of whether students are federally eligible for free or reduced price meals.

NJ S4560

"NJ Healthy Schools Act"; prohibits sale and distribution of ultraprocessed foods in schools participating in federally funded or assisted meal programs.

Similar Bills

NJ A1821

Requires school districts to take certain actions in circumstances when school meal bill is in arrears; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.

NJ A1600

Requires school districts to take certain actions in circumstances when school meal bill is in arrears; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.

NJ S1755

Requires school districts take certain actions to increase participation in free or reduced priced meal programs; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.

NJ A4435

Provides anti-stigmatization protections to public school student whose school breakfast or school lunch bill is in arrears and requires school district to communicate about arrearages to parent and not to student.

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.

NJ S3956

Requires schools 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 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 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.