OK
Oklahoma House Bill HB1885

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1885

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  

Caption

Schools; creating the Healthy School Meals for All Act; requiring sufficient appropriation to provide meals at no cost to all children in the school district; effective date; emergency.

Impact

The implementation of HB1885 could have significant implications on state laws regarding school nutrition programs. It establishes a framework for funding that requires legislative appropriations, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to child nutrition. By providing free meals, the bill aims to reduce food insecurity among students, positively affecting their ability to learn and thrive in a school environment. This initiative could be seen as a pivotal step in combating childhood hunger and promoting a healthier school-aged population in Oklahoma.

Summary

House Bill 1885, known as the Healthy School Meals for All Act, is aimed at ensuring that all children enrolled in the school district receive free meals. This bill amends Section 3-119 of the school nutrition laws in Oklahoma, mandating sufficient appropriations from the legislature. The act aligns with the National School Lunch Act and is designed to comply with existing child nutrition laws, supporting the notion that access to nutritious food is crucial for children's health and educational outcomes. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, and declares an emergency, emphasizing its immediate importance to public health and education.

Contention

While the bill generally garners support for its intent to improve child nutrition, it may face scrutiny regarding funding mechanisms and the commitment of state resources. Concerns may arise about the sustainability of funding for free meal programs and whether such an initiative adequately addresses the various facets of school nutrition inequities. Additionally, stakeholders in the education and health sectors might debate the efficacy of the program implementation and the state's role in managing these provisions amidst budget constraints. These points of contention highlight the balance between ensuring healthy meals for all children and managing fiscal responsibilities.

Companion Bills

OK HB1885

Carry Over Schools; creating the Healthy School Meals for All Act; requiring sufficient appropriation to provide meals at no cost to all children in the school district; effective date; emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1885

Schools; creating the Healthy School Meals for All Act; requiring sufficient appropriation to provide meals at no cost to all children in the school district; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2727

Schools; school nutrition; requiring sufficient appropriation by the Legislature to provide meals at no cost to all children enrolled in the school district; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1376

Schools; school nutrition; requiring schools to provide free school meals to certain children during the next two school years; effective date; emergency.

OK SB357

Schools; allowing the Oklahoma School for the Blind and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf to receive redbud school grants. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1081

Schools; creating the Right to Recess Act; requiring schools to provide a minimum amount of daily recess time for students; effective date; emergency.

OK SB94

Schools; directing school districts to conduct annual fitness assessment; requiring analysis of results. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB329

Schools; making appropriation; creating the Rewarding Excellent Educators Grant Program; providing eligibility. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB147

Diabetes Management in Schools Act; allowing a school district to stock glucagon; requiring written consent and waiver of liability. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1771

Schools; requiring school district boards of education to adopt policy allowing certain students to participate in certain activities; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1041

Schools; subject matter standards; authorizing school district to issue alternate diploma to students in the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program; effective date; emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.