WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HF 3511

Funding for school safety increased, local optional aid for schools increased, state-paid free school lunches limited to families with incomes at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Bakeberg and 2 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill increases school safety funding and local school aid while restricting free lunch eligibility to families below 500% of federal poverty level.

Author added Bakeberg
#education-k-12 #foodandnutrition
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 3511

Legislative bill overview

HF 3511 is a Minnesota education funding bill that increases appropriations for school safety measures and local optional aid to schools. The bill also modifies the state-paid free school lunch program by limiting eligibility to families earning at or below 500% of the federal poverty line, while appropriating necessary funds for these initiatives.

Why is this important

School safety funding directly affects school security infrastructure and emergency preparedness. The lunch program modification represents a significant policy shift that could impact meal access for students in middle-income families currently receiving free lunches, potentially affecting nutrition and food security during the school day.

Potential points of contention

  • Lunch program eligibility reduction: Families currently receiving free lunches above the 500% threshold would lose benefits, affecting approximately 200-300% income bracket households who may struggle to afford meal costs
  • Definition of "school safety" spending: Ambiguity around whether funds prioritize physical security (cameras, locks) versus mental health services, counseling, and threat assessment programs
  • Local aid formula: Unclear how increased local optional aid will be distributed among school districts, potentially creating equity concerns between wealthy and under-resourced districts

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

Sign in to ask a question.