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Committee splits on expanding free school meals; fiscal cost and adequacy interactions drive dissent
Summary
Lawmakers debated HB665 (raise free‑meal eligibility) and SB204 (state reimbursement for no‑cost meals). Supporters cited child nutrition and learning benefits; opponents pointed to large, uncertain fiscal costs and potential adequacy formula effects. HB665 was recommended ITL (10‑8); SB204 also received an ITL recommendation (committee vote 9‑8).
Lawmakers spent substantial time debating two related proposals to expand free school meals for students. HB665 would increase eligibility to a household income threshold (presented in committee as up to 300% of federal poverty guidelines) with costs paid from the Education Trust Fund; SB204 would make districts responsible for providing meals during school hours and appropriate state reimbursement.
"Feeding kids is important as almost anything," Representative Shin Hall, a 40‑year educator, said, adding that access to breakfast and lunch improves "health, mental and physical" readiness for learning. Representative Damon, a supporter, said the fiscal note overstates costs because it assumes 100% of eligible students would take both breakfast and lunch every school day: "The fiscal note would actually be substantially less than what is presented if that were the case."
Opponents emphasized budgetary constraints. Representative McGuire highlighted the fiscal note for HB665 that estimated roughly $7 million and cautioned added costs could feed into the adequacy formula and multiply future state aid obligations. "We just don't have the money to appropriate $7,000,000," he said. Laura Elkin of Huddl Solutions told the committee the Senate had substantially amended the fiscal assumptions and that optional participation and other changes would lower projected costs.
After debate the committee recommended 'Inexpedient to Legislate' on HB665 by roll call (10‑8). Later in the session the committee also voted ITL on SB204 (recorded as 9‑8). Supporters said the measures address food insecurity; opponents said the fiscal impact and possible downstream adequacy implications require fuller budgetary review and were grounds to pause the proposals.
