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SB 740

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 Bobby Harshbarger

Tennessee bill requiring state reimbursement to school districts for free breakfast and lunch for disadvantaged students after federal funds are exhausted, pending state funding availability.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 740

Legislative bill overview

SB 740 requires Tennessee local school boards to establish programs providing free breakfast and lunch to disadvantaged students. The state would reimburse school districts for these meals after all available federal funding has been exhausted, contingent upon state budget availability.

Why is this important

Food insecurity among students affects academic performance, attendance, and health outcomes. This bill addresses gaps in existing federal meal programs by creating a state-level safety net, potentially reaching students who don't qualify for federal assistance or live in districts with limited resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding uncertainty: The "subject to funding" language means implementation depends on state budget priorities and available appropriations, creating potential inconsistency across school years
  • Definition of "disadvantaged": The bill doesn't specify criteria for determining which students qualify, leaving ambiguity about program scope and cost projections
  • Unfunded mandate concerns: School districts may face implementation costs if state reimbursement doesn't fully cover expenses or arrives after districts have already spent resources
  • Federal-state coordination: Complexity in determining which students are covered by federal programs versus state supplementation could create administrative burdens

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

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