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SF 4959

State-paid free school lunches limitation to families with incomes at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty guidelines provision, school wellness and resiliency aid establishment, school-linked behavioral health grants expansion provision, and appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julia Coleman

SF 4959 caps state-paid free lunches at 500% of the federal poverty line and funds expanded school wellness, resiliency, and school-linked behavioral health programs.

Referred to Education Finance
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Bill Summary · SF 4959

Summary of SF 4959 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

Overview

SF 4959 is a Minnesota bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session that, among other provisions, seeks to:
- Limit state-paid free school lunches to families with incomes at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG).
- Establish and expand supports related to school wellness and resiliency.
- Expand school-linked behavioral health grants.
- Create related appropriations to fund these initiatives and activities.

The bill is sponsored by a coalition including co-sponsor Julia Coleman and has been referred to the Education Finance committee (as of the latest action history).

Key Provisions

1) State-Paid Free School Lunch Limitation

  • Policy Change: The bill narrows eligibility for state-paid free school lunches to households with incomes at or below 500% of the federal poverty guidelines.
  • Implication: This creates a more restrictive threshold than broader “free lunch” programs that may currently serve families above 500% FPG in some contexts, potentially reducing state support for higher-income eligible students (up to 500% FPG) who previously qualified if applicable under Minnesota’s current framework.
  • Rationale (implied): Aims to target state-funded lunch assistance to lower-income families, possibly redirecting funds to other programs or services.

2) School Wellness and Resiliency Establishment

  • Policy Change: Establishment of a formal program or framework to promote school wellness and resiliency.
  • Components (implied): Could include standards, grant processes, reporting requirements, or designated activities to improve student well-being, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and resilience.
  • Impact: Schools would have new or clarified expectations and potential support to implement wellness initiatives.

3) School-Linked Behavioral Health Grants Expansion

  • Policy Change: Expansion of opportunities and funding for school-linked behavioral health grants.
  • Scope: Likely broadens eligibility, increases grant amounts, or simplifies application processes to connect students with behavioral health services through school-based partnerships.
  • Impact: Enhanced access to behavioral health resources for students within school settings, supporting early identification and intervention.

4) General Appropriations

  • Policy Change: The bill includes appropriation provisions (funding) to support the wellness, resiliency, and behavioral health initiatives, as well as the adjusted lunch program.
  • Impact: Sets the fiscal framework and total funding levels required to implement the new or expanded programs.

People and Entities Affected

  • Students and Families: Households affected by the new 500% FPG income cap for state-paid free lunches; students in schools receiving wellness, resiliency supports, and behavioral health services.
  • School Districts and Charter Schools: Institutions implementing wellness programs, applying for expanded school-linked behavioral health grants, and managing lunch program changes.
  • State Agencies/Departments: Education Finance and potentially health or welfare agencies may administer new programs, grants, and reporting requirements.
  • Community Providers: Behavioral health and wellness partners may see expanded opportunities through increased grants and partnerships with schools.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Current Status: Introduced and read for the first time on April 7, 2026; referred to the Education Finance committee.
  • Next Steps: Committee consideration, potential amendments, floor debate, and votes in both chambers as part of the regular bill process. Any appropriations would follow the annual or supplemental budget timelines and fiscal notes.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the stated provisions as of the latest available action history. Details such as exact dollar amounts, grant program specifics, and implementation timelines may be clarified in committee hearings, fiscal notes, and amended text.
  • If enacted, the policies would interact with existing federal lunch programs and state health and education initiatives, requiring coordination across departments and school districts.

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

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