Texas Senate Bill SB910

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to free breakfast for certain public school students.

Impact

The proposed changes to Section 33.901 of the Education Code stipulate that if a qualifying percentage of students are eligible, the responsible governing body must participate in the national school breakfast program. Notably, schools involved in this program must provide free breakfasts to students eligible for reduced-price meals, with the Department of Agriculture handling reimbursements for any lost revenue incurred by the schools. This financial backing is intended to alleviate potential budgetary strains on school districts while expanding access to essential nutrition.

Summary

Senate Bill 910 aims to enhance public school students' access to nutrition by mandating the provision of free breakfast for eligible students in specific educational institutions. The bill targets public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools where a minimum of 10 percent of enrolled students qualify for free or reduced-price breakfasts under the national school breakfast program. By ensuring that these essential meals are available, the legislation seeks to promote better health and learning conditions among students.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding its financial implications for state budgets and local school district finances. Proponents argue that investing in children's health leads to better educational outcomes, reducing long-term costs associated with health issues and academic underperformance. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the sustainability of funding and require assurances about continued support for such initiatives in times of budget constraints.