AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- FEDERAL AID

HB 5983 requires all public elementary and secondary schools in Rhode Island to provide free breakfasts and lunches through federal programs like the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. It mandates that schools offer these meals to all students from families meeting federal or state income criteria for free or reduced-price meals, with the state covering the funding gap between federal reimbursement rates for free and reduced-price meals. This bill directly affects public school students from low-income households and school districts receiving state funding adjustments to support meal programs. The policy change takes effect upon passage, ensuring consistent access to free school meals for eligible students through expanded state and federal funding.