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Bill

SB 789

RELATING TO SCHOOL CAFETERIA MEAL COSTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Donovan Dela Cruz and 6 co-sponsors

SB 789 aims to regulate and subsidize school meal costs, ensuring affordable, nutritious options for students, especially low-income families, while maintaining high standards.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#costs #doe #schoolcafeteriameals
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Bill Summary · SB 789

Summary of SB 789: Relating to School Cafeteria Meal Costs

Bill Number: SB 789
Introduced: January 17, 2025
Status: Reported from EDN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1193) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SB 789 is to address the costs associated with school cafeteria meals provided by the Department of Education (DOE). The bill aims to ensure that school meal programs remain financially viable while providing nutritious meals to students. It seeks to establish a framework for managing meal costs effectively, thereby promoting better access to healthy food options in schools.

Key Provisions

  • Cost Management: The bill proposes measures to regulate and potentially subsidize the costs of meals served in school cafeterias to ensure affordability for students and their families.

  • Funding Mechanisms: It may include provisions for identifying funding sources or reallocating existing resources to support the meal programs, although specific financial details are not outlined in the current version.

  • Nutritional Standards: The bill emphasizes maintaining high nutritional standards for meals served in schools, aligning with federal and state guidelines.

  • Reporting Requirements: Schools may be required to report on meal costs and participation rates to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of school meal programs.

Affected Parties

  • Students and Families: The bill directly impacts students who rely on school meals, particularly those from low-income families who may benefit from reduced meal costs.

  • Department of Education (DOE): The DOE will be responsible for implementing the provisions of the bill, managing meal programs, and ensuring compliance with any new regulations.

  • School Cafeteria Staff: Changes in meal cost management may affect staffing and operational procedures within school cafeterias.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 17, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • January 21, 2025: Passed First Reading.
  • January 23, 2025: Referred to the committees on EDU and WAM.
  • February 5, 2025: EDU committee recommended passage with amendments.
  • February 12, 2025: Passed Second Reading as amended and referred to WAM.
  • February 18, 2025: WAM committee recommended passage with amendments.
  • February 27, 2025: Reported from WAM with recommendation for Third Reading.
  • March 4, 2025: Passed Third Reading in the Senate and transmitted to the House.
  • March 6, 2025: Referred to EDN and FIN in the House.
  • March 11, 2025: EDN committee recommended passage with amendments.
  • March 13, 2025: Passed Second Reading in the House and referred to FIN.

Conclusion

SB 789 represents a significant legislative effort to enhance the affordability and accessibility of school meals in Hawaii. By addressing meal costs and ensuring nutritional standards, the bill aims to support the health and well-being of students across the state. As it progresses through the legislative process, further details on funding and implementation will be critical to its success.

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

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