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Committee again backs universal free school-meal bill despite fiscal concerns
Summary
Chairman Clemens told the subcommittee HB 14-58 aims to provide free school-based meals statewide after exhausting federal grants; members praised the goal but raised major budget concerns before advancing the bill to full Education.
Chairman Clemens, sponsor of HB 14-58, framed the bill as a decade-long effort to provide free school-based meals for all public-school students and urged support to address childhood hunger. The sponsor cited recent data: "In 2025, Tennessee continues to struggle with high rates of childhood food insecurity...39 percent to 41 percent of Tennessee families with children reported being food insecure," using that context to press the need for a state role where federal funds and grants fall short.
Members supported the aim but repeatedly raised the fiscal reality: Chairman Supiki and others warned the bill faces a large fiscal note and could stall in Finance; Chairman Clemens said funding estimates vary and the committee should pursue creative options. The subcommittee moved the bill to full Education (4 ayes, no nays).
