2023 -- H 5141
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LC000652
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FEDERAL AID
Introduced By: Representatives Caldwell, Potter, Carson, Spears, Speakman, Donovan,
Fogarty, Ajello, Kazarian, and Biah
Date Introduced: January 18, 2023
Referred To: House Education
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 16-8-10 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-8 entitled "Federal Aid 1
[See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended to read 2
as follows: 3
16-8-10. Mandatory school lunch programs. 4
All public elementary and secondary schools shall be required to make type A lunches 5
available to students attending those schools in accordance with rules and regulations adopted from 6
time to time by the department of elementary and secondary education. To the extent that federal, 7
state, and other funds are available, free and reduced price type A lunches shall be provided to all 8
students from families that meet the current specific criteria established by federal and state 9
regulations. The requirement that type A lunches be provided shall apply to locally managed school 10
lunch programs, and school lunch programs administered directly by the department of elementary 11
and secondary education or by any other public agency whether using school facilities or a 12
commercial catering service. The department of elementary and secondary education is further 13
authorized to expand the school lunch program to the extent that federal, state, and/or local funds 14
are available by the utilization of one or more food preparation centers for delivery to participating 15
schools for the purpose of providing meals to students on a more economical basis than could be 16
provided by a community acting individually. 17
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 1
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FEDERAL AID
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This act would require free lunches to be provided for all elementary and secondary 1
students attending public schools, to the extent state and federal funds are available. 2
This act would take effect upon passage. 3
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