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HB 1153

Education - As introduced, requires local boards of education to establish a program to provide free school breakfast and lunch to disadvantaged students; subject to funding, requires the state to reimburse LEAs for providing such free breakfasts and lunches after all federal funds have been applied. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Susan Lynn

Tennessee would require schools to provide free meals to disadvantaged students, with state funds reimbursing districts after federal nutrition money is used.

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Bill Summary · HB 1153

Legislative bill overview

HB 1153 mandates that Tennessee local school boards establish programs providing free breakfast and lunch to economically disadvantaged students. The state would reimburse school districts for these meals using state funds only after federal nutrition program funds are exhausted.

Why is this important

Food insecurity affects student attendance, academic performance, and health outcomes. This bill addresses a gap in federal nutrition assistance by creating a state-funded safety net, potentially expanding meal access beyond current federal program eligibility while placing fiscal responsibility on the state budget.

Potential points of contention

  • State budget impact: Creates an open-ended state reimbursement obligation with no spending cap, potentially diverting resources from other education priorities or requiring tax increases
  • Definition of "disadvantaged": Bill doesn't specify income thresholds or eligibility criteria, leaving implementation ambiguous and potentially affecting who qualifies
  • Federal fund coordination: Requires districts to maximize federal reimbursements first, creating administrative complexity and potential delays in reimbursement to schools
  • Unfunded mandate risk: "Subject to funding" language suggests implementation is not guaranteed, leaving districts uncertain about program viability and sustainability

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

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