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Senators split; committee deadlocks on bill to eliminate reduced‑price student co‑pays
Summary
House Bill 551, which would replace reduced‑price meal copays with a state reimbursement program (proposed $600,000/year), drew broad proponent testimony about food insecurity but failed in committee on a 7–7 vote and was tabled.
Representative Romano introduced HB 551 to eliminate reduced‑price co‑payments for school breakfast and lunch and replace the local revenue with a state reimbursement program estimated at $600,000 per year. She framed the measure as relief for working families who still struggle with the reduced‑price copays and as a way to reduce administrative burden for schools.
Proponents included school nutrition professionals, Montana Food Bank Network (child nutrition manager), teachers, school board trustees and organizations such as the American Heart Association, Coalition of Advocates for Montana's Public Schools, and county representatives. Testimony stressed that the copay amounts may be small per meal but create administrative burdens and can lead to students skipping meals or families incurring large debts. The Food Bank Network representative argued that for families with multiple children the annual co‑pay burden could be substantial and that one in six Montana children live in food‑insecure households.
Committee executive action resulted in a 7–7 tie and HB 551 failed to pass the committee; members who voted yes highlighted direct relief to students and families, while nays pointed to budget and fiscal pressures.
