Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2180

Introduced
6/24/24  
Refer
6/24/24  
Refer
6/26/24  
Report Pass
6/28/24  
Refer
6/28/24  
Report Pass
7/1/24  
Engrossed
7/1/24  

Caption

In pupils and attendance, further providing for Nonprofit School Food Program and providing for School Meal Debt Fund; and making appropriations.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2180 is expected to have significant implications for state laws regarding funding and management of school meal programs. This bill would formalize structures and appropriations to support nonprofit entities thatprovide meal services, thereby allowing schools to distribute healthy meals while also managing outstanding meal debts. As a result, the bill may lead to increased accountability and transparency in how meal programs are funded and how debts are recorded and addressed.

Summary

House Bill 2180 focuses on enhancing the nutrition provided to pupils through the establishment of the Nonprofit School Food Program and the creation of the School Meal Debt Fund. The bill aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their financial background, have access to nutritious meals during school hours. Its provisions are geared towards addressing issues of food insecurity among students and supporting nonprofit organizations that provide food services in schools.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2180 has generally been positive, with many stakeholders advocating for better meal access and nutrition for students. Educators, parents, and many community advocates expressed support for the bill, seeing it as a critical step in addressing childhood food insecurity. However, there are some concerns about the sustainability of funding for the proposed programs, as some legislators questioned the long-term financial implications for the state budget.

Contention

Despite the overall support for HB 2180, there have been notable points of contention. Some lawmakers raised concerns regarding the financial viability of the School Meal Debt Fund, particularly regarding how it would be funded and its potential impact on existing educational budgets. Additionally, the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations versus public school systems in delivering school meal programs was debated, with differing opinions on whether the proposed model would truly solve the issues of meal access and debt.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB180

In pupils and attendance, further providing for Nonprofit School Food Program, repealing provisions relating to school lunch and breakfast reimbursement and establishing the Universal School Meal Program and the Universal School Meal Fund; and making appropriations.

PA SB180

In pupils and attendance, further providing for Nonprofit School Food Program, repealing provisions relating to school lunch and breakfast reimbursement and establishing the Universal School Meal Program and the Universal School Meal Fund; and making an interfund transfer and an appropriation.

PA HB663

In pupils and attendance, further providing for residence and right to free school privileges.

PA SB781

In pupils and attendance, further providing for definitions and providing for mental health days.

PA HB1648

In pupils and attendance, further providing for definitions and providing for mental health days.

PA HB1616

In pupils and attendance, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited; and, in safe schools, further providing for sworn statement and for transfer of records.

PA SB886

In pupils and attendance, further providing for definitions and providing for mental health days.

PA HB1076

In pupils and attendance, providing for school building closure requirements.

PA HB829

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens; in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence, for definitions and for when provided; and, in early learning programs, providing for full-day kindergarten.

PA HB1654

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens; in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence, for definitions and for when provided; and providing for full-day kindergarten.

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