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SB 25-214

Healthy School Meals for All Program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Amabile and 34 co-sponsors

SB 25-214 ensures free meals for all students by adjusting reimbursements based on tax revenue, impacting funding for school districts and meal availability.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · SB 25-214

Summary of Senate Bill 25-214: Healthy School Meals for All Program

Overview

Senate Bill 25-214, titled the Healthy School Meals for All Program, was signed into law on June 3, 2025. The bill modifies the existing Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) program, which was established by Proposition FF in November 2022. This program aims to provide free meals to all students enrolled in participating schools, funded through specific tax adjustments for higher-income earners.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SB 25-214 is to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the HSMA program by adjusting meal reimbursement structures based on future tax revenue and appropriations. The bill seeks to maintain access to free meals for students while addressing potential funding shortfalls.

Key Provisions

  1. Reimbursement Modifications:

    • The bill allows for meal reimbursements to be adjusted based on the outcome of a referred measure in the November 2025 election. If this measure, which aims to increase state tax revenue for the HSMA program by at least $150 million annually starting in 2026, is not approved, reimbursements will be limited to eligible sites only.
    • Eligible sites include those participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or those identified by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) based on student enrollment percentages eligible for free meals.

  2. Funding Adjustments:

    • For the fiscal year 2025-26, the bill reduces appropriations from the General Fund by $42.2 million and increases appropriations from the State Education Fund by $8.1 million.
    • The bill also repeals the authority for CDE to spend beyond appropriations, ensuring that expenditures remain within budget limits.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • CDE is required to report to the Joint Budget Committee by January 15, 2027, on the sufficiency of funds in the HSMA Cash Fund to cover program costs and reimbursements.

  4. Future Provisions:

    • If the appropriated funds are insufficient, CDE must notify the Joint Budget Committee and may request supplemental appropriations. If denied, CDE can implement prorated reimbursements.

Impact

  • School Districts: The bill directly affects school districts by potentially limiting reimbursements for meals served at non-eligible sites if the referred measure fails. This could impact the availability of free meals for students in those districts.
  • State Budget: The adjustments in funding are expected to decrease overall expenditures for the HSMA program by approximately $34.1 million in FY 2025-26 and $69.4 million in FY 2026-27, reflecting the changes in appropriations and reimbursement structures.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025
  • Senate Approval: April 2, 2025
  • House Approval: April 10, 2025
  • Governor Signed: June 3, 2025

Conclusion

SB 25-214 is a significant legislative measure aimed at ensuring the ongoing viability of the Healthy School Meals for All Program while adapting to potential changes in state revenue. By establishing clear guidelines for meal reimbursements and funding, the bill seeks to maintain access to nutritious meals for all students in Colorado's public schools.

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

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