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HB 5537

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY WAYS TO FUND A UNIVERSAL FREE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aimee Berger-Girvalo and 3 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill taxes sweetened beverages and powders to fund universal free school meals, combining consumption tax with education spending.

FILE NO. 643
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Bill Summary · HB 5537

Legislative bill overview

HB 5537 proposes a tax on sweetened beverages, syrups, and powders in Connecticut, with all revenue generated dedicated to funding a universal free school meals program for students. The bill would create a new revenue stream specifically earmarked for child nutrition rather than general state coffers.

Why is this important

Universal free school meals can improve student nutrition, reduce food insecurity, and eliminate stigma associated with free/reduced lunch programs. However, this represents a significant policy shift that combines a new consumption tax with a major education funding commitment, affecting both consumer behavior and school district budgets.

Potential points of contention

  • Regressive taxation concern: Sweetened beverage taxes disproportionately burden lower-income households that consume these products at higher rates, potentially creating inequity even while funding equity-focused meal programs
  • Revenue adequacy and volatility: Tax revenue from discretionary purchases may fluctuate unpredictably and potentially prove insufficient to sustainably fund universal free meals long-term
  • Scope definition: Ambiguity around what qualifies as "certain sweetened beverages, syrups and powders" could create compliance confusion and litigation over borderline products (sports drinks, flavored waters, etc.)

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

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