SB 1300: Department of Education; Meal Subsidies; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's working families face significant economic challenges, including the rising cost of living, inflation, and limited affordable options for basic needs.  Access to nutritious meals is essential for the overall well-being of Hawaii's people.  Further, for students, access to healthy meals is critical to academic success and achievement.  However, for some students, school meals may be their only consistent source of food.

     The legislature also finds that Aloha United Way released the asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) report in January 2025, which identified that, while twelve per cent of households in the State are below the poverty line, twenty-nine per cent are identified as ALICE households.  ALICE households are defined as households with incomes above the federal poverty level but continue to struggle with the bare-minimum costs of basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and a smartphone plan, plus taxes.  The report also found that forty-six per cent of ALICE households experience consistent food insecurity.

     The legislature further finds that subsidizing the meal costs for students whose family income is not more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level will have the benefit of providing support to families in need.  Additionally, subsidized meal costs for these students will allow students to focus on their academic careers, extracurricular activities, and life goals.  Meal subsidies at department of education schools will allow more students to achieve a high-quality education while ensuring adequate nutrition for physical development and mental well-being.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, expand free school meal coverage to students who currently qualify for reduced-price lunch;

     (2)  Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, expand free school meal coverage to students whose family income is not more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds to the department of education to subsidize meal costs for students eligible for reduced priced-meals and whose family income is not more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level.

     SECTION 2.  Section 302A-404, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§302A-404  School meals.  (a)  School meals shall be made available under the school meals program in every school where the students are required to eat meals at school.

     (b)  Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, students who qualify for reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program shall receive free school meals.

     (c)  Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, free school meals shall be provided to every student enrolled in a department school whose family income is not more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level, regardless of a student's eligibility for participation in the federal school meals program.

     [(b)] (d)  No student shall be denied a meal solely for failure to pay[:

     (1)  Within the first twenty-one days of the first semester of a school year while the student's application for free or reduced lunch is being processed; or

     (2)  Within seven days after a student's meal fund account reaches a zero or negative balance].

     [(c)] (e)  The department may adopt rules or policies governing the collection of funds for student meal accounts with a negative fund balance; provided that no rule or policy shall prohibit feeding a student [as required pursuant to subsection (b).] or otherwise conflict with subsection (d).

     (f)  It is the intent of this section not to jeopardize the receipt of any federal aid and, only to the extent necessary to effectuate this intent, the governor may modify strict provisions of this section, but shall promptly report any modification with the governor's reasons therefore to the next succeeding session of the legislature for review."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $565,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for meal subsidies for students eligible for reduced-price meals.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,800,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for meal subsidies for students at department of education schools whose family income is not more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Department of Education; Meal Subsidies; Appropriations

Description:

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, expands free school meal coverage to students who currently qualify for reduced‑price lunch.  Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, expands free school meal coverage to students whose family income is not more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level.  Appropriates funds.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's working families face significant economic challenges, including the rising cost of living, inflation, and limited affordable options for basic needs.  Access to nutritious meals is essential for the overall well-being of Hawaii's people.  Further, for students, access to healthy meals is critical to academic success and achievement.  However, for some students, school meals may be their only consistent source of food.

     The legislature also finds that Aloha United Way released the asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) report in January 2025, which identified that, while twelve per cent of households in the State are below the poverty line, twenty-nine per cent are identified as ALICE households.  ALICE households are defined as households with incomes above the federal poverty level but continue to struggle with the bare-minimum costs of basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and a smartphone plan, plus taxes.  The report also found that forty-six per cent of ALICE households experience consistent food insecurity.

     The legislature further finds that subsidizing the meal costs for students whose family income is no more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level will have the benefit of providing support to families in need.  Additionally, subsidized meal costs for students will allow students to focus on their academic careers, extracurricular activities, and life goals.  Meal subsidies at department of education schools will allow more students to achieve a high-quality education while ensuring adequate nutrition for physical development and mental well-being.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, expand free school meal coverage to students who currently qualify for reduced-price lunch;

     (2)  Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, expand free school meal coverage to students whose family income is no more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds to the department of education to subsidize meal costs for students eligible for reduced priced-meals and whose family income is no more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level.

     SECTION 2.  Section 302A-404, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§302A-404  School meals.  (a)  School meals shall be made available under the school meals program in every school where the students are required to eat meals at school.

     (b)  Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, students who qualify for reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program shall receive free school meals.

     (c)  Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, free school meals shall be provided to every student enrolled in a department school whose family income is no more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level, regardless of a student's eligibility for participation in the federal school meals program.

     [(b)] (d)  No student shall be denied a meal solely for failure to pay[:

     (1)  Within the first twenty-one days of the first semester of a school year while the student's application for free or reduced lunch is being processed; or

     (2)  Within seven days after a student's meal fund account reaches a zero or negative balance].

     [(c)] (e)  The department may adopt rules or policies governing the collection of funds for student meal accounts with a negative fund balance; provided that no rule or policy shall prohibit feeding a student [as required pursuant to subsection (b).] or otherwise conflict with subsection (d).

     (f)  It is the intent of this section not to jeopardize the receipt of any federal aid and to the extent, and only to the extent necessary to effectuate this intent, the governor may modify strict provisions of this section, but shall promptly report any such modification with the governor's reasons therefore to the next succeeding session of the legislature for review."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for meal subsidies for students eligible for reduced-price meals.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for meal subsidies for students at department of education schools whose family income is no more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOE; Meal Subsidies; Appropriations

Description:

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, expands free school meal coverage to students who currently qualify for reduced-price lunch.  Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, expands free school meal coverage to students whose family income is no more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's working families face significant economic challenges, including the rising cost of living, inflation, and limited affordable options for basic needs.  Access to nutritious meals is essential for the overall well-being of Hawaii's people.  Further, for students, access to healthy meals is critical to academic success and achievement.  However, for some students, school meals may be their only consistent source of food.

     The legislature also finds that Aloha United Way released the asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) report in January 2025, which identified that, while twelve per cent of households in the State are below the poverty line, twenty-nine per cent are identified as ALICE households.  ALICE households are defined as households with incomes above the federal poverty level but continue to struggle with the bare-minimum costs of basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and a smartphone plan, plus taxes.  The report also found that forty-six per cent of ALICE households experience consistent food insecurity.

     The legislature further finds that subsidizing the meal costs for ALICE households will have the benefit of providing support to families in need.  Additionally, subsidized meal costs for students will allow students to focus on their academic careers, extracurricular activities, and life goals.  Meal subsidies at department of education schools will allow more students to achieve a high-quality education while ensuring adequate nutrition for physical development and mental well-being.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require the department of education to adopt administrative rules to provide a lower rate or free meals to students based on their economic need; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds to the department of education to subsidize meal costs for students whose families qualify as ALICE households.

     SECTION 2.  The department of education shall adopt administrative rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to provide a lower rate or free meals to students based on their economic need pursuant to this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for meal subsidies for students at department of education schools whose families are classified as asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) households.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DOE; ALICE; Meal Subsidies; Rules; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education for meal subsidies for students whose families are classified as asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) households.  Requires the Department of Education to adopt administrative rules.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to school meals.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's working families face significant economic challenges, including the rising cost of living, inflation, and limited affordable options for basic needs.  Access to nutritious meals is essential for the overall well-being of Hawaii's people.  Further, for students, access to healthy meals is critical to academic success and achievement.  However, for some students, school meals may be their only consistent source of food.

     The legislature also finds that Aloha United Way released the asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) report in January 2025, which identified that, while twelve per cent of households in the State are below the poverty line, twenty-nine per cent are identified as ALICE households.  ALICE households are defined as households with incomes above the federal poverty level but continue to struggle with the bare-minimum costs of basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, transportation, health care, and a smartphone plan, plus taxes.  The report also finds that forty-six per cent of ALICE households experience consistent food insecurity.

     The legislature further finds that subsidizing the meal costs for ALICE households will have the benefit of providing support to families in need.  Additionally, subsidized meal costs for students will allow students to focus on their academic careers, extracurricular activities, and life goals.  Meal subsidies at department of education schools will allow more students to achieve a high-quality education while ensuring adequate nutrition for physical development and mental well-being.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education to subsidize meal costs for students whose families qualify as ALICE households.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $10,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for meal subsidies for students at department of education schools whose families are classified as asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) households.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

DOE; ALICE; Meal Subsidies; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education for meal subsidies for students whose families is classified as asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) households.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 115

Honolulu, Hawaii

                 , 2025

RE:    S.B. No. 1300

       S.D. 1

       H.D. 1

       C.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir and Madam:

     Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, expand free school meal coverage to students who currently qualify for reduced-price lunch;

     (2)  Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, expand free school meal coverage to students whose family income is no more than three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee on Conference finds that healthy, nutritious school breakfasts and lunches allow students at Department of Education schools to remain focused in school.  In fact, for some students, meals served during the school day may be the only meals those students eat each day.  While the Department of Education offers free and reduced price meals to certain eligible students, students whose families are asset limited, income restrained, employed (ALICE) face additional hardships as they are ineligible for this benefit, but still struggle to afford basic necessities.  Expanding food security to more students will alleviate financial burdens for certain working families, thereby ensuring students receive a complete meal each school day.  As educating Hawaii's youth is of paramount importance to the future and economic success of the State, providing greater access to school meals will allow more students to concentrate on their academic growth and future life goals.

     Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an appropriation amount of $565,000 in general revenues for the fiscal biennium for meal subsidies for students eligible for reduced-price meals;

     (2)  Inserting an appropriation amount of $2,800,000 in general revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027 for meal subsidies for students whose family income is not more than three hundred percent of the federal poverty level;

     (3)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2025; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1948

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 1300

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, expand free school meal coverage to students who currently qualify for reduced-price lunch;

     (2)  Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, expand free school meal coverage to students whose family income is no more than three hundred percent of the federal poverty level; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds to the Department of Education to subsidize meal costs pursuant to this measure.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Kauaʻi County Council; City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency; City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Indivisible Hawaiʻi; AAUW of Hawaiʻi; Ka Ohana O Na Pua; Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition; Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network; Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association; Hui Aloha Aina o Honolulu; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; International Longshore & Warehouse Union International; International Longshore & Warehouse Union Local 142; UNITE HERE! Local 5; Aloha United Way; ALICE Initiative; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Hawaiʻi Foodbank; Maui Food Bank; American Heart Association; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; North Shore Nutrition; and numerous individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of the Governor; Department of Education; one member of the Hawaiʻi County Council; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; AlohaCare; Green Party of Hawaiʻi; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Education Caucus; Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative; Kauaʻi Democratic Party; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network; Hawaiʻi Pacific Advisory Group; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union; Save Medicaid Hawaii; and numerous individuals.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1338

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 1300

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Education to adopt administrative rules to provide a lower rate or free meals to students based on their economic need; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds for meal subsidies for students whose families are classified as asset-limited, income-constrained, employed households.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus Commission; Office of the Mayor of Maui County; one member of the Kauaʻi County Council; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association; Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Pride at Work – Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Healthy Eating, Active Living Coalition; Green Party of Hawaiʻi; Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Education Caucus; Kauai Women's Caucus; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Church State Council; Pele Lani Farm LLC, Kulia I Ka nuʻu Outreach Services; Parents and Children Together; Hawaiʻi Foodbank; Project Vision Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center; Hawaiʻi Hunger Action Network; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union; Oahu Youth Action Board; AlohaCare; Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!; Hawaʻii Alliance for Progressive Action; and numerous individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in support of the intent of this measure from the Department of Education.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee finds that providing access to healthy meals for students is essential for the overall well-being of Hawaii's people.  Your Committee further finds that the Department of Education currently provides free and reduced-price lunches for qualified students using federal reimbursements.  However, some families are not able to qualify for the federal reimbursement despite having an economic need.  This measure will provide the Department of Education with the necessary funding and support to subsidize school meals for these students.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language which would have required the Department of Education to adopt administrative rules to provide a lower rate or free meals to students based on their economic needs;

     (2)  Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, requiring the Department of Education to provide free school meals to students who currently qualify for reduced-price lunch;

     (3)  Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, requiring the Department of Education to provide free school meals to students whose family income is no more than three hundred percent of the federal poverty level;

     (4)  Authorizing the Governor to modify the strict provisions of providing free school meals as required by this measure and report to the Legislature on any modifications;

     (5)  Appropriating funds to the Department of Education to subsidize meal costs for students eligible for reduced price-meals and whose family income is no more than three hundred percent of the federal poverty level, rather than for students whose families are classified as asset limited, income constrained, employed households;

     (6)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000; and

     (7)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider appropriating $565,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 for meal subsidies for students eligible for reduced-price meals.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 679

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1300

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Department of Education to subsidize meals for students whose families are classified as asset-limited, income‑constrained, employed (ALICE) households.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development, Climate Protectors Hawaii, Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii State Teachers Association, Pride at Work‑Hawaii, The Purple Maia Foundation, and four individuals.

     Your Committee finds that providing access to healthy school meals is important for student nutrition and helps students remain focused in school.  The Department of Education currently provides free and reduced-price lunches for qualified students through federal reimbursements.  However, some families classified as asset‑limited, income-constrained, employed (ALICE) may not qualify for the federal reimbursement despite having an economic need and struggling to afford meals for their children.  Accordingly, this measure provides funding and support to the Department of Education to subsidize school meals for these students.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 96

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1300

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 1300 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Education for meal subsidies for students whose families are classified as asset limited, income constrained, employed (ALICE) households.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, State Public Charter School Commission, Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!, Education Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Foodbank, Maui Food Bank, Green Party of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, and ten individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the physical and mental well-being of students is of paramount importance.  Presently, the Department of Education utilizes reimbursements from the federal government to provide free and reduced-price lunches to qualified students.  However, students whose families are classified as asset limited income constrained, employed (ALICE) may not qualify for free and reduced-price lunches despite continuing to struggle with ensuring their children have proper nutrition.  Therefore, this measure ensures all students can avoid missing meals during the school day.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting language requiring the Department of Education to adopt administrative rules to provide a lower rate or free meals to students based on their economic need;

     (2)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

     (3)  Amending section 1 to reflect its amended purpose;

     (4)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (5)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     Your Committee notes that this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified appropriation amount.  While the Department of Education had an initial appropriation request of $10,000,000 in its testimony at the public hearing on this measure, $11,700,000 reflects the trust cost of providing free meals to students whose families are classified as ALICE households.  Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $11,700,000 for the Department of Education to offer free meals to students whose families are classified as ALICE households.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1300, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1300, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,