Transcript Highlights:

• school meals by 20 percent.
• Meals.
• . in school meals.
• . nutritious meals.
• For the Healthy Universal School Meals Act that would either allow us to fully implement the rule in

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> school meal. school meal.
• Schools must meet the meal pattern in order to be reimbursed for meals served.
• . meal. meal.
• </c> school meals as well. school meals as well.
• The meal into providing school meals.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the August 20 meeting, and then heard testimony from Representative Steven Doan on House Bill 439, a school nutrition bill aimed at restricting certain ultra-processed foods in schools. Doan said the bill was inspired by his own health journey and his work in agriculture, and he described the measure as targeting specific chemical additives in foods served during the school day, not concession sales or after-hours activities. He said the bill would phase in later to give schools time to adjust and noted that the list of restricted additives was drawn from efforts in other states and advocacy groups. Members asked about the chemical abstract numbers, fiscal impact, summer meal programs, fundraisers, and whether the bill would affect parent-provided items; Doan said he had not done a fiscal note and explained that the bill was intended to apply only during instructional time on school property. Committee members generally reacted favorably, with some raising practical concerns about cost and implementation. One member asked about high fructose corn syrup, which Doan said was not included because it is too pervasive in the food system. Another member noted that schools already limit some homemade items and asked about the line between school-provided and parent-provided food. Doan also said the list was based in part on Turning Point USA materials and similar laws in other states, and he referenced federal efforts to define ultra-processed foods. The committee then heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials Matt Ross, Lauren Moore, and Katie Embry on school meals and nutrition programs. They outlined Kentucky’s school lunch, breakfast, summer meals, and other USDA child nutrition programs, including participation and reimbursement figures, and explained how community eligibility provision schools, meal patterns, offer-versus-serve, smart snacks, and local wellness policies work. They said USDA and FDA are currently seeking public input on a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods, that there are no current USDA requirements specifically on ultra-processed foods, and that schools already operate under federal and state rules governing competitive foods, including a state time restriction on smart snacks. They also discussed local purchasing, noting its benefits but also the procurement and staffing challenges schools face. No votes or final actions on the bill were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are not allowed to offer that meal through this funding mechanism that happens now.
• So we are not allowed to offer that meal through this funding mechanism that happens now.
• So we do receive federal funds to do meals, and we do receive some state funds to provide meals, but
• We get $7 for every meal that we serve in the senior center, and if I deliver that meal to your house
• We get $7 for every meal that we serve in the senior center, and if I deliver that meal to your house

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To-go meals are defined as meals either picked up by or delivered to participants 60 years of age or
• During COVID, all the congregate meal programs were closed, including the senior meal programs that are
• I mean, during COVID, all the congregate meal programs were closed, including the senior meal programs
• Home-delivered meals and congregate meals provide critical support for individuals who do not have access
• Kim Olson with SOS Meals on Thank you, Senator. Kim Olson with SOS Meals on Wheels.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services heard a series of budget items focused first on the California Department of Aging and then on the Department of Social Services. For Aging, the director reported the state is at the midpoint of the Master Plan for Aging, with about 300 initiatives launched and roughly three-quarters completed, nearly $1 billion invested, and expanded local planning, research, and stakeholder engagement. The committee also discussed HICAP modernization, which would add ongoing funding from the Special HICAP Fund to expand Medicare counseling capacity, and senior meal programs, including support for virtual congregate/to-go meals and the use of prior one-time nutrition investments. The chair raised concerns about federal H.R. 1 and its downstream effects on older adults, food assistance, and other safety-net programs, and the department said its direct budget was not affected but that other programs serving older adults could be under pressure. The committee then reviewed multiple CDSS proposals. These included implementing the federal Medicaid Access Rule by creating a statewide grievance process and critical incident reporting system for IHSS and other home- and community-based services; housing and homelessness programs such as CalWORKs Housing Support, Housing and Disability Advocacy, Home Safe, and Bringing Families Home, where the department described strong outcomes but warned that one-time funding is expiring and services are scaling back; and permanent position authority for the Housing and Homelessness Division. Members also heard about the facility management system modernization for Community Care Licensing, home care services branch solvency and regulation work, child care centers in multifamily housing, the Seizure Emergency Response Act, licensing during emergencies and disasters, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, and social services automation projects including CalSAWS, the enterprise data pipeline, and CalWORKs child support notices. The LAO and Department of Finance generally had no additional comments or were still reviewing several requests. A notable exchange occurred on the Community Care Licensing item, where Senator Grove pressed the department about the Autumn Oaks facility in Tulare County, citing dozens of complaints and severe conditions affecting seniors. The department said it had worked with the county and ombudsman on relocation, was reviewing what went wrong, and had authority to pursue administrative action even after a license surrender. The hearing ended with a stakeholder presentation from the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging supporting a $62.3 million Older Californians Act request, followed by public comment from advocates for housing, Meals on Wheels, HICAP, Home Safe, and H-DAP. The subcommittee adjourned without taking votes, and all items were held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• to participate in school meal programs.
• Because it'll be about equity for everyone partaking in these meals.
• And so they just assume that gluten-free meals are not available, and so they say, just bring your meals
• and getting the meal to the student.
• and getting the meal to the student.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, H. 5012 and S. 2927, titled An Act Relative to Student Access, Food, and Nutritional Information, also referred to by witnesses as the “Snack Act.” The bills would require schools to make gluten-free and allergen-related meal information easier to find online, including menus, ingredients, food safety procedures, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Committee leaders explained the hearing process and invited testimony from pre-registered and in-person witnesses. Most testimony came from parents, students, physicians, and advocates who described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune condition requiring a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Witnesses said many families avoid school meals because information is hard to find or not clearly communicated, and they emphasized that the bill would not create a new system so much as make existing information accessible. Several speakers cited research showing that many children with celiac disease do not participate in school breakfast and lunch programs, and that communication gaps between school administrators, nurses, and food service staff are a major barrier. Witnesses also said the bill could help students with food allergies more broadly and would support equity in the state’s universal school meals program. A number of students with celiac disease gave personal testimony about feeling excluded, managing food anxiety, and relying on clear school communication to stay safe. One parent and clinician described a child’s severe malnutrition before diagnosis and shared a photo to illustrate the seriousness of gluten exposure, while other doctors discussed long-term health risks from uncontrolled celiac disease and the need for better access to safe meals. Committee members praised the witnesses, especially the young students, and asked questions about cross-contamination, school procedures, and whether regulations or agency action might also address the issue. Senator Joan Lovely, the Senate sponsor, briefly endorsed the bill and thanked the panel. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee closed the hearing after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• to participate in school meal programs.
• Because it'll be about equity for everyone partaking in these meals.
• And so they just assume that gluten-free meals are not available, and so they say, just bring your meals
• and getting the meal to the student.
• and getting the meal to the student.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, S. 2927 and H. 5012, titled An Act Relative to Students Accessing Food and Nutritional Information, filed by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Michelle Badger. The bills would require schools to make clear, centralized online information available about gluten-free and allergen-free meals, including menus, food safety procedures, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Committee members and the bill sponsors emphasized that the measure is intended to improve transparency, equity, and access within the Commonwealth’s universal free breakfast and lunch program. Testimony came from students, parents, physicians, and advocates, many of whom described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune condition requiring a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Witnesses said families often struggle to find reliable school meal information, and that lack of communication between school administrators, nurses, and food service staff can lead families to opt out of school meals even when safe options exist. Medical witnesses from Boston Children’s, Mass General, and Beth Israel said the bill addresses a real barrier identified in research and could help prevent health problems, missed school, and long-term complications from gluten exposure. Several witnesses also noted that the bill’s approach could benefit students with food allergies more broadly. Committee members praised the testimony, especially from young student witnesses, and discussed practical issues such as cross-contamination, 504 plans, and whether schools already have the underlying information needed to comply. One member suggested the Department of Public Health might be able to address some of the issue through regulations, similar to a prior restaurant allergy-protocol change. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee closed after hearing from all panels and the bill sponsors, who asked for favorable consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here that these are the eight states that either provide universal meals for all students or allow their
• also providing reduced meals and paid meals, I think it was about $3.65 About $3.65 per meal from federal
• must be in that meal to for a healthy meal, a nutritious meal, is that right?
• equivalent meal.
• The more meals you provide in an hour, the more meals you provide over the whole day, the more meals

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• meals to go.
• meals to go.
• meals to go.
• </c><00:54:46.480><c> meals</c><00:54:46.720><c> to</c> LSS meals has been serving meals to LSS meals
• </c> meals and contracted meals for youth meals and contracted meals for youth programs<00:54:59.280>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For many kids, school meals in this program are the only meal of the day.
• These programs are more than just meals.
• Protecting funding for these school meals for the school meal program is imperative for the well-being
• I survived off of this type of meals.
• I survived off of this type of meals.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment. After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales. The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.

Transcript Highlights:

• To give you a sense of scale, for every meal that a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine meals.
• </c> give you a sense of scale for every meal give you a sense of scale for every meal that<00:15:46.240
• </c> working but they're peac mealing working but they're peac mealing together<01:21:37.239><c> two<
• A single meal featuring healthy ingredients can quickly deplete this modest allowance, forcing seniors
• could reduce treatment complications. from eating the meals and that combined from eating the meals

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To-go meals are defined as meals either picked up by or delivered to participants 60 years of age or
• I mean, during COVID, all the congregate meal programs were closed, including the senior meal programs
• To-go meals are defined as meals either picked up by or delivered to participants 60 years of age or
• I mean, during COVID, all the congregate meal programs were closed, including the senior meal programs
• Thank you, Senator Kim Olson with SOS Meals on... Thank you. Kim Olson with SOS Meals on Wheels.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services heard an overview from the California Department of Aging on the state’s Master Plan for Aging, including progress at the five-year midpoint, local aging and disability action plans, HCBS gap analysis, workforce work, and stakeholder engagement. The Legislative Analyst’s Office noted the department’s budget was relatively flat but flagged federal H.R. 1 pressure on nutrition-related programs. Members discussed how H.R. 1 and broader federal and state budget pressures could affect older adults through other programs, even where the Department of Aging itself had no direct cut. The committee also heard a stakeholder request from the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging for $62.3 million to support Older Californians Act services, with Finance cautioning that any added ongoing spending would worsen out-year deficits. The committee then reviewed several Department of Aging proposals, including HICAP modernization to add paid counselors and reduce reliance on volunteers, and senior meal program oversight for virtual congregate/to-go meals under AB 1476. Members also discussed the status of area agencies on aging in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, including a new RFP process in the Central Coast and the need to protect service continuity during transitions. Finance clarified that remaining modernizing Older Californians Act nutrition funds can still be used through June 2029. The Department of Social Services presented a series of items. These included new federal Medicaid Access Rule implementation for IHSS grievance and critical incident systems; housing and homelessness programs for CalWORKs Housing Support, HDAP, Home Safe, and Bringing Families Home, with testimony that one-time funds are expiring and service levels will likely decline; permanent position authority for housing and homelessness administration; a facility management system to replace aging licensing systems; home care services branch solvency and regulations; child care centers in multifamily housing; the Seizure Emergency Response Act; licensing during emergencies and disasters; and the Family Preparedness Plan Act. The committee also heard a detailed exchange about the Autumn Oaks facility in Tulare County, where Senator Grove raised concerns about 53 complaints and the handling of unsafe conditions; CDSS said it is reviewing the matter and has authority to take administrative action even after a license surrender. No votes were taken, and items were held open.

Transcript Highlights:

• Meals on Wheels provides meals to any individual who is of an income or age bracket.
• meals, frozen shipped meals, and contracted meals with youth and daycare programs.
• LSS Meals started providing meals for core clients in April of 2024.
• for their spouse, and being able to receive these excellent quality meals allowed them time to prepare
• meal storage.

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of whether ELOP statute should be adjusted to allow school meals and time and staff to be more
• And other meal service streamlining.
• I think it will largely be on meal quality, meal participation, salary and benefits.
• Are they allowed?
• But innovative strategies is the language that would allow that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• School meals are school supplies.
• They don't have to collect meal costs, meal prices, from fees from the parents.
• They don't have to collect meal costs, meal prices, from fees from the parents.
• </c><01:00:58.119><c> U</c><01:00:58.240><c> meal</c> they don't have to collect meal U meal they don't
• have to collect meal U meal costs<01:00:59.200><c> meal</c><01:00:59.559><c> prices</c><01:01:00.079

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with testimony largely in support. SB 1388 and SB 1393, both concerning the School Facilities Authority and Department of Education representation and land conveyances, received support from DOE and the School Facilities Authority, with no questions or action taken. SB 423, which would add Head Start representation to the Early Learning Board, was supported by the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning, which explained the bill would realign the board with federal Head Start Act requirements after the board was restructured in Act 170; EEL also requested an effective-date amendment. SB 422, allowing DOE to award diplomas to students whose education was disrupted by war, drew support from DOE, the Chamber of Commerce, the Military Council, and the Special Education Advisory Council, but also significant opposition from the Hawaii Patriot Republicans and many individuals; members asked questions about the bill, and DOE explained the measure’s purpose, but no vote was taken. The committee also took testimony on SB 532, which would expand who may administer certain medications in schools. DOE, the Department of Health, and the University of Hawaii supported the bill. Members asked detailed questions about oral, nasal, and topical medications and the process for prescription review and administration; DOE explained that parents request the medication, a school form is completed, a nurse reviews it, and either a trained school health assistant or a contracted nurse administers the medication. DOE said the measure could improve attendance and learning, especially for students with ADHD, asthma, and other chronic conditions. The committee then heard SB 659 on locally sourced food products and school meals, where DOE’s procurement office opposed the higher small-purchase threshold and DOE exemption from procurement rules, while Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others supported the bill as a way to advance farm-to-school goals and the 30% local food target by 2030. Testimony and questioning focused on the proposed threshold increase, transparency, and whether an online bidding system would be preferable. Finally, the committee heard SB 1300 on subsidies for ALICE families’ school meals. DOE supported the bill but requested amendments: defining eligibility at 250% of the federal poverty level, delaying implementation until the 2026-2027 school year, and covering reduced-price lunch students in full for 2025-2026. HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Services Network, and others supported the measure, emphasizing food insecurity, the burden of meal paperwork, and the educational importance of free meals. Hawaii Appleseed suggested replacing ALICE with a federal poverty level standard and removing a rulemaking requirement that could delay implementation. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. ...while still allowing it to fluctuate above that level.
• In terms of whether ELOP statute should be adjusted to allow school meal and time and staff to be more
• I think it will largely be on meal quality, meal participation, salary and benefits.
• Are they allowed? We're seeing that... I think that is it on...
• Are they allowed?

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three education budget items: the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), differentiated assistance/statewide system of support, and universal school meals plus kitchen infrastructure grants. For ELOP, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to provide $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding and $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended instead fixing the Tier 2 rate at $1,579, and committee members questioned how the rate was determined, how much funding is actually spent, and whether overlapping funding from ELOP, ACEs, and 21st Century programs is being tracked. CDE said ELOP is showing positive attendance and math outcomes, but some requested data will not be available until mid-2027; members also raised concerns about double-funding, transparency, and whether middle and high school students are being equitably served. On differentiated assistance, CCEE outlined the statewide system of support and the various tiers of universal, targeted, supplemental, and intensive assistance. Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to replace the current DA structure with a more stable universal and targeted assistance model, funded at $131.9 million ongoing, with a three-year support cycle aligned to LCAP and ESSA timelines and broader State Board authority to revise eligibility criteria. The LAO objected to considering the proposal before the State Board finalizes the new performance criteria, and committee members expressed concern that moving to a three-year cycle could delay support for LEAs that newly fall into need mid-cycle. There was also discussion about whether the proposal would weaken subgroup-based equity guardrails or give the State Board too much discretion over who qualifies for support. For school meals and kitchen infrastructure, Finance proposed $1.8 billion ongoing for universal meals and an additional $100 million ongoing plus $100 million one-time for a fourth round of kitchen infrastructure and training grants. The LAO recommended rejecting the new kitchen grant round because prior rounds are still being spent and the unmet need is not yet clear. CDE said prior investments have improved meal participation, efficiency, and menu variety, but many schools still lack the facilities for scratch cooking and face construction, electrical, and procurement barriers. Members asked for more data on how prior grants were used, which schools are benefiting, and whether funds could also support lower-cost food access strategies such as pantries, while noting federal restrictions on some meal-service innovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Meals on Wheels has Meals on Wheels.
• The meals are nutritious.
• ><c> meals</c><00:15:09.760><c> for</c> LSS Meals started providing meals for LSS Meals started providing
• > to</c><00:15:46.720><c> focus</c> quality meals allowed them time to focus quality meals allowed them
• So the meals needed to prepare meals.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:18.720><c> our</c> separate bill that would allow our separate bill that would allow our students
• the same because of, you know, everybody's... cafeteria meal costs this bill repeals cafeteria meal
• </c> Education set school cafeteria meal Education set school cafeteria meal prices<00:15:57.440><c>
• </c> 1/4 of the cost of prepering the meal 1/4 of the cost of prepering the meal this<00:16:35.240><c
• </c> it for adults and for the second meal it for adults and for the second meal and<00:17:16.799><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education and Labor and Technology heard Senate Bill 420, which would extend Department of Education workers’ compensation coverage to newly graduated high school students participating in DOE-sponsored work-based learning programs through July 31 after graduation. DOE testified in support, estimating the bill could affect about 50 to 100 students in the first year and saying it would help students gain experience and transition to employment. Members asked about current coverage, costs, and partnerships; DOE said current coverage ends at graduation, there had been no incidents, and the bill would create no additional cost. The committees voted to pass SB 420 with amendments, including an amended effective date, and the bill was adopted. The Committee on Education then took up several education measures. It adopted a proposed SD1 for SB 894, a Farm to School measure that would appropriate funds to help meet a goal of serving 30% locally sourced food in public schools. The committee also heard SB 789 on school cafeteria meal costs; DOE said it wanted the existing requirement lowered from 50% of meal preparation cost to 25% rather than repealed, to align with its administrative package, and explained current prices were about $2.75 while meal costs were about $9. Testifiers from the Hawaii Public Health Institute and Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported removing the requirement entirely or at least reducing it, saying it would avoid large price jumps and move toward free school meals. The committee later voted to pass SB 789 with amendments lowering the threshold to one-fourth of meal cost and changing the effective date. The committee also heard SB 449 on a school facilities planning database. DOE said it supports better planning but believes the database should be housed within DOE rather than duplicated under the School Facilities Authority, while SFA supported the bill as a proactive decision-making tool. The Attorney General’s office suggested clarifying language to make clear references to the Board of Education. In later agenda items, the committee heard SB 423, which would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; EOEL and the board chair supported it and suggested technical language to preserve required representation. The committee also heard SB 1384, a housekeeping bill redirecting repaid early childhood educator stipend funds to the Early Learning special fund after the prior special fund was repealed; EOEL supported it and said about $31,864 was being recouped from nine recipients. Finally, SB 684 would require the Board of Education to adopt rules banning cell phones at DOE schools; testimony was in support, and members discussed the need for a consistent statewide policy, with the board expected to work on one in collaboration with DOE.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the allowable costs.
• of the allowable costs.
• of the allowable costs.
• of the allowable costs.
• of the allowable costs.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee Division II met with the New Hampshire Department of Education to review school nutrition programs and related funding. Department staff Melissa White and Kelly Rambo walked through a packet covering the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program, explaining that these are federally funded USDA programs, with some state supplemental funding in certain areas. They also reviewed reimbursement rates for lunch, breakfast, child/adult care, and summer meals, noting that summer rates follow calendar-year timing while most others follow the state fiscal year. Members asked several questions about how the funding works, especially the difference between federal reimbursements and the state match. Staff explained that the state lunch line in the budget is a fixed match amount tied to federal participation, while breakfast funding is broken out by meal type and reimbursement category. They also discussed why FY 2022 federal spending was much higher during COVID, when USDA covered meals at the free rate for all students, and why FY 2023 and FY 2024 dropped as normal income-eligibility rules returned. A committee member also asked about the “severe need lunch” two-cent rate, and staff said they did not know USDA’s formula. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on summer meals and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved sites, which can be open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-operated benefit program that provides funds to families. They said some schools or sites may not qualify under USDA rules, but eligible children can often use another nearby open site, and the department posts an interactive map and phone line to help families find locations. The committee also discussed the Community Eligibility Provision. Staff said New Hampshire currently has three CEP schools, that the eligibility threshold had recently been lowered from 40% to 25% identified students, and that the program allows participating schools to offer free meals to all students while the local district covers the non-federal share. Members asked whether any districts in the 25% to 40% range had joined; staff said no. The department offered to provide the eligibility report in Excel and noted that the CEP intent is to reduce application burden, though the lower threshold can make the local cost share harder for some districts to absorb.

Transcript Highlights:

• for free or reduced meals.
• There's many rules that. including serving the meal pattern, meal counting and claiming.
• for free or reduced meals.
• All of the meals that meet the meal pattern are reimbursed at some level.
• Even the full-price meals receive, I believe it's 51 cents for that meal from the federal government.

Summary: The Legislative Management Committee met to fill a vacancy created by Representative Jared Hagert’s resignation, and the House majority recommended Representative Berg to replace him on the committee. The motion to appoint Berg was approved unanimously. The committee then took up its assigned task of estimating the fiscal impact of Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 3, the school meals measure, which would require public schools, and optionally nonpublic and tribal schools, to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to students and reimburse schools through state funds after federal reimbursements are maximized. Legislative Council’s Liz Fordall summarized the measure’s requirements and answered questions about implementation, including the 2027-28 start date, the measure’s interaction with the Legacy Earnings Fund, and the fact that the Legislature would still control the funding source. DPI’s Linnell Johnson then testified at length on current school meal programs, direct certification, CEP and Provision 2 participation, and likely behavioral changes if the measure passed. She estimated the biennial fiscal impact at $124 million to $134 million, with an additional roughly $300,000 in administrative costs, and explained that the estimate assumed higher participation and some schools shifting to CEP/Provision 2 to preserve federal reimbursements. She also noted that if no new applications were filed in non-CEP schools, the cost could be substantially higher. After discussion, Senator Sorvaag moved to report a fiscal impact range of $124,300,000 to $134,300,000 per biennium to the Secretary of State, and the motion carried. The committee also received an informational update from Legislative Council attorney Dustin Richard on the ongoing redistricting litigation, explaining that the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Eighth Circuit’s prior ruling and remanded the case for further consideration in light of Louisiana v. Callais, leaving the court-imposed map in effect for now. No action was required on that item, and the meeting adjourned after a brief note that the prior minutes would be brought back at a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• To-go meals are defined as meals either picked up by or delivered to participants 60 years of age or
• I mean, during COVID, all the congregate meal programs were closed, including the senior meal programs
• First, it allows the department to access additional forms— Allows the department to access additional
• Home-delivered meals and congregate meals provide critical support for individuals who do not have access
• One in five meals will go undelivered.

Keywords: 987, senate, all