AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL MEALS.
This bill requires eligible Connecticut school districts to provide free breakfasts to all students and free or reduced-price lunches to students already qualifying under federal meal programs, starting July 1, 2026. It applies to local/charter schools and magnet operators participating in federal School Breakfast or Lunch Programs but not using the federal Community Eligibility Provision. Schools providing these meals will receive state grants from the Department of Education to cover costs, replacing previous funding mechanisms. The policy directly affects school districts serving students in grades K-12 who meet federal eligibility criteria.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 18, 2026
Last action Mar 5, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Feb 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
Joint Favorable Change of Reference APP
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Education
lower
15 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Anthony Nolan
DDemocratic
P
AB
Aundré Bumgardner
DDemocratic/Working Families
P
Bill Heffernan
DDemocratic
P
Gary Turco
DDemocratic
P
JS
Jimmy Sánchez
DDemocratic
P
Kadeem Roberts
DDemocratic/Working Families
P
Larry Butler
DDemocratic
P
Laurie Sweet
DDemocratic/Working Families
P
M.J. Shannon
DDemocratic
P
Nick Gauthier
DDemocratic
P
Nick Menapace
DDemocratic/Working Families
P
Sarah Keitt
DDemocratic
P
Saud Anwar
DDemocratic
P
Tom Delnicki
RRepublican
P
Tone Felipe
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 5214
Scope: CT
Hi! I can help you understand HB 5214. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline