WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 12

Local Education Agencies - As introduced, requires each local school board to establish a school lunch program and a school breakfast program that provide a free breakfast and lunch to each student enrolled in a school under the board's jurisdiction; requires the state to reimburse each LEA for the cost of providing a free breakfast and lunch to each student enrolled in the LEA after all available federal funds have been applied. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by John Clemmons

Tennessee would mandate free breakfast and lunch for all public school students, requiring state budget reimbursement for costs exceeding federal funding.

Failed in s/c Education Administration Subcommittee of Education Committee
#localeducationagencies
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 12

Legislative bill overview

HB 12 would require every Tennessee local school board to provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students, with the state covering costs beyond available federal reimbursement. The bill amends Tennessee's education code (TCA Title 49) to establish this as a statewide mandate.

Why is this important

Food insecurity affects student academic performance, attendance, and health outcomes. Currently, free meal access in Tennessee varies by district and depends on federal programs like NSLP and CACFP. This bill would create uniform coverage regardless of family income or district wealth, potentially removing a barrier to student success while shifting significant funding responsibility to the state budget.

Potential points of contention

  • State budget impact: Requires state reimbursement for all costs exceeding federal funds—a potentially substantial and ongoing expense with no identified funding source
  • Implementation burden: Mandates uniform service across all districts regardless of existing infrastructure, capacity, or operational readiness
  • Federal fund complexity: Relies on "all available federal funds" being applied first, creating administrative complexity and potential disputes over fund prioritization
  • Cost predictability: Annual costs are difficult to forecast since they depend on student enrollment, meal prices, and federal reimbursement rates

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

Sign in to ask a question.