Education (Student Health)

HB 2238, the "Hayes Act," requires schools participating in the federal National School Lunch Program (but not the Community Eligibility Provision) to provide free lunches to students approved for reduced-price meals. It mandates state reimbursement to schools for the cost difference between actual lunch expenses and federal reimbursement rates, using a dedicated "School Meals Fund" for this purpose. The bill prohibits schools from publicly identifying students eligible for free/reduced meals and ensures applications are used solely for federal reimbursement and state aid calculations. This policy change directly affects participating schools and students qualifying for meal assistance, with funding dependent on state appropriations.

SB 874 requires all public schools in the state to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student, regardless of family income. This policy change eliminates the current system where eligibility for free or reduced-price meals depends on household financial status. The bill mandates that schools cover these meal costs through state funding, shifting the responsibility from individual families to the public education system. It directly affects all K-12 students attending public schools across the state, ensuring universal access to school meals without income-based barriers.

HB 1698, known as "Sawyer's Law," requires all public school districts and charter schools to adopt written antibullying policies. The law defines bullying broadly - including cyberbullying, physical actions, and harassment - and mandates that policies prohibit zero-tolerance disciplinary approaches, require staff to report witnessed bullying within two school days, and ensure investigations are completed within 10 school days. Schools must include these policies in student handbooks, train staff annually on reporting and interventions, and provide students with education about bullying prevention and support resources. The law directly affects students, school staff, and parents by establishing clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and responding to bullying incidents while banning retaliation against reporters.