Adopt the Hunger-Free Schools Act and provide for an appropriation
LB 966, the Hunger-Free Schools Act, requires Nebraska public and nonprofit private schools participating in federal meal programs to provide free breakfasts and lunches to students who qualify for reduced-price meals under federal rules. The State Department of Education will reimburse schools for the difference between federal funding rates for free meals versus reduced-price meals, based on the previous school year's data. This directly affects schools serving qualifying students, ensuring they receive funding support for meals provided at no cost to those students. The bill replaces previous reimbursement rules and repeals outdated sections of law related to school meal programs.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Legislature Passage
Apr 2026
Legislature Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Jan 12, 2026
Signed Apr 17, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
Introduced
→
Final Reading
·
6 edits
MODERATE
The bill was updated to reflect its status as the 'Final Reading' and includes significant policy changes to the Hunger-Free Schools Act. The program is now designated as a 'Pilot Program' running from the 2026-27 through 2031-32 school years, requiring an annual study of its impact on student performance. Funding sources were clarified by creating a specific 'Hunger-Free Schools Cash Fund' for public schools, while non-public schools will be funded from the General Fund. Additionally, the definition of a participating school was updated to require selection by the Department of Education, and the list of repealed statutes was expanded.
Scope change
The bill's scope was narrowed to a five-year 'Pilot Program' with a mandatory evaluation study, and funding mechanisms were differentiated between public and non-public schools.
TIMELINE
The program is explicitly defined as a pilot running from school year 2026-27 through 2031-32.
REQUIREMENT
A new requirement mandates an annual study of the program's efficacy and impact on student academic and behavioral performance.
DEFINITION
The definition of a 'Qualified school' was changed to 'Participating school,' requiring that the school be selected by the Department of Education.
FISCAL
A new 'Hunger-Free Schools Cash Fund' was created to fund public schools, while non-public schools will be funded from the General Fund.
ENFORCEMENT
The Department of Education is required to report study results to the Legislature by December 1, 2032.
SCOPE
The bill text was updated to include 'Final Reading' and expanded the list of repealed statutes to include 79-10,139.
Floor votes · Legislature Apr 8, 2026
How they voted
37–4
Passed · 8 other
Total votes 49
Apr 8, 2026
N
Nonpartisan49
75% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
22
Key actions
7
Committee
2
Apr 17, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor on April 16, 2026
executive
Apr 10, 2026
Legislature · Passed
President/Speaker signed
legislature
Apr 10, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Passed on Final Reading 38-11*-0
legislature
Apr 8, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Bosn AM3143 adopted
legislature
Apr 8, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Passed over
legislature
Apr 8, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Cavanaugh, M. AM3120 adopted
legislature
Feb 24, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Placed on General File
legislature
Jan 14, 2026
Committee
Referred to Education Committee
legislature
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
Date of introduction
legislature
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Machaela Cavanaugh
NNonpartisan
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