WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1404

Increasing student access to free meals served at public schools.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Alvarado and 32 co-sponsors

HB 1404 expands free meal eligibility in Washington schools, potentially removing income-based restrictions to improve student food access and academic outcomes.

Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 4:00 PM.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1404

Legislative bill overview

HB 1404 expands access to free meals at Washington public schools, likely removing or reducing income-based eligibility barriers that currently limit participation in federal meal programs. The bill aims to ensure more students can access breakfast and lunch without cost, regardless of family financial circumstances.

Why is this important

Food insecurity directly impacts student academic performance, attendance, and health outcomes. Currently, many eligible students don't participate in free meal programs due to stigma, application complexity, or families earning just above qualification thresholds. Universal or expanded meal access could improve educational equity and reduce administrative burden on schools.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Expanding free meals significantly increases state and district costs; lawmakers will debate whether funding mechanisms are sufficient or if other programs must be cut
  • Implementation scope: Disagreement over whether expansion should be universal (all students) versus targeted (higher income thresholds), affecting program cost and reach
  • Federal program coordination: Questions about how state expansion interacts with existing federal meal subsidies and whether the state is duplicating resources or filling genuine gaps

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

Sign in to ask a question.