Education (Student Health)

SB 387 requires Kansas school districts to verify the household gross earned income of students applying for free meals through the national school lunch program (using written proof), excluding those directly certified via other programs. It also mandates that school districts cannot seek federal "community eligibility" payments - allowing schools to serve free meals to all students without individual applications - without explicit legislative approval after July 1, 2026. During legislative recesses, districts may seek temporary approval from the Legislative Coordinating Council within 14 days. This bill directly affects school districts managing meal programs and students qualifying for free meals, changing how income eligibility is confirmed and how federal funds are accessed.

HB 2420 requires Kansas school districts to obtain written parental consent before providing school-based mental health services to students, including verbal notification about the service's purpose and plan. It directly affects students, parents, and school staff, covering services designed to address emotional, behavioral, or social needs (excluding universal tier 1 support). Exceptions allow immediate suicide risk assessments under existing law when a credible report of suicide risk exists. Violations trigger a $5,000 civil penalty per incident, recoverable by the attorney general or county prosecutor.