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Bill

A 4218

Relates to a free or reduced meal plan for certain students enrolled at state and city universities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Cunningham

Bill A 4218 provides free or reduced meal plans for eligible students at state and city universities, addressing food insecurity to support academic success and well-being.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 4218

Summary of Bill A 4218

Bill Number: A 4218
Title: Relates to a free or reduced meal plan for certain students enrolled at state and city universities
Status: Referred to Higher Education
Introduced: January 31, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4218 aims to establish a framework for providing free or reduced meal plans to eligible students enrolled at state and city universities. The intent of the bill is to address food insecurity among college students, ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals, which is essential for their academic success and overall well-being.

Key Provisions

  • Eligibility Criteria: The bill outlines specific criteria that students must meet to qualify for the free or reduced meal plans. This may include factors such as income level, enrollment status, and other relevant metrics.

  • Implementation Framework: The bill proposes a system for universities to implement these meal plans, including guidelines for how to assess eligibility and manage the distribution of meals.

  • Funding Mechanism: While the bill does not specify exact funding amounts, it is expected to include provisions for state funding or grants to support the implementation of the meal plans.

  • Reporting Requirements: Universities may be required to report on the number of students served and the effectiveness of the meal program, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Students: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be students enrolled at state and city universities who face food insecurity. By providing access to free or reduced meal plans, the bill aims to alleviate financial burdens and promote healthier eating habits.

  • Universities: State and city universities will need to adapt their meal service operations to comply with the new requirements, which may involve administrative adjustments and potential financial implications.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 31, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Higher Education committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session Bill A 6788 and has a companion bill in the Senate, S 2059, which may indicate broader legislative support for addressing food insecurity in higher education.

Conclusion

Bill A 4218 represents a significant step toward ensuring that students at state and city universities have access to essential nutrition through free or reduced meal plans. By addressing food insecurity, the bill seeks to enhance the educational experience and success of students, making higher education more accessible and equitable. Further discussions and evaluations in the Higher Education committee will determine the bill's future and potential impact on students and universities alike.

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

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