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HB 96

School breakfast; availability at no cost to students.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 26 co-sponsors

Virginia bill HB 96 requires public schools to provide free breakfast to all students, advancing through education committees but requiring appropriations review for funding and implementation feasibility.

Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
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Bill Summary · HB 96

Legislative bill overview

HB 96 would require Virginia schools to provide breakfast at no cost to all students. The bill has advanced through subcommittees with general support but has been referred to the Appropriations Committee, indicating significant fiscal considerations that need evaluation before final passage.

Why is this important

School breakfast programs affect student nutrition, academic performance, and family finances. Universal free breakfast removes barriers for low-income families and can improve attendance and classroom readiness, though it requires substantial state or federal funding and operational changes across school districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal cost: The Department of Planning and Budget's involvement and referral to Appropriations suggests this carries meaningful expense; funding sources (state budget, federal reimbursement, local districts) remain unclear
  • Implementation burden: Schools must expand kitchen capacity, staffing, and logistics to serve all students breakfast daily, with varying readiness across districts
  • Program design details: The bill's text doesn't specify whether breakfast is mandatory participation, how meals are distributed, or whether nutritional standards differ from current federal guidelines

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

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