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Bill Summary · HB 7273

Summary — HB 7273 (File No. 895)

Title: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY WAYS TO FUND A UNIVERSAL FREE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM
Introduced: April 9, 2025 — Current status: Favorable report out of the Legislative Commissioners’ Office and tabled for House calendar (House Calendar #588, File No. 895).

Main purpose

The bill establishes a state working group to study mechanisms for funding a universal free school meals program (i.e., free breakfast and lunch for all public school students) and to develop recommendations for implementing and financing such a program in Connecticut.

Key provisions (based on bill title and subject areas)

  • Creates a multi‑stakeholder working group charged with identifying viable funding options and implementation strategies for a universal free school meals program.
  • Directs the working group to examine fiscal and operational dimensions such as program cost estimates, administrative requirements for schools and districts, existing federal and state reimbursement streams, potential state revenue sources (including taxation or dedicated funds), and transitional/timing issues.
  • Requires the working group to consult relevant state agencies and stakeholders. Subjects associated with the bill (education department, boards of education, Department of Revenue Services, beverages, taxation, state funds) indicate participation by or engagement with:
    • Connecticut State Department of Education and local boards of education
    • Department of Revenue Services (to analyze tax or fee options)
    • Other state fiscal or policy offices and school nutrition stakeholders
  • Anticipated deliverable: a report to the General Assembly with findings and funding recommendations (the provided summary does not include the bill text specifying membership, deadlines, or exact reporting date — see File No. 895 for full language).

Who would be affected

  • Students and families: potential access to free school meals for all public school students.
  • School districts and school nutrition programs: operational and administrative changes depending on funding and implementation choices.
  • State budget and taxpayers: potential new expenditures or revenue measures to finance a universal program.
  • Relevant state agencies (Education; Revenue Services) and local boards of education: involved in planning, implementation, and fiscal analysis.
  • Food and beverage sectors could be affected if dedicated taxes or fees (e.g., beverage taxes) are considered.

Potential impacts

  • Equity and student nutrition: could reduce food insecurity and simplify meal access.
  • Fiscal: depending on recommendations, could require new or reallocated state revenues, changes to reimbursement flows, or one‑time startup resources.
  • Administrative: may reduce school-level meal eligibility processing but could require infrastructure investment.

Legislative timeline / actions

  • 2025-04-09: Referred to Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding
  • 2025-04-14: Public hearing held
  • 2025-04-24: Joint Favorable Substitute filed; bill filed with LCO
  • 2025-05-05: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis (for analysis)
  • 2025-05-12: Reported out of LCO; favorable report; tabled for House calendar (House Calendar #588, File No. 895)

Notes: The summary above is based on the bill title, subject matters, and legislative actions provided. For precise membership, reporting deadlines, and exact statutory language, consult the full text of HB 7273 (File No. 895) as filed with the Legislative Counsel.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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