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Bill

HR 9265

To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require participation in the summer EBT program as a condition of participating in the school lunch program, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Shontel Brown and 6 co-sponsors

Starting in 2027, participation in the summer EBT program becomes mandatory for states that participate in the National School Lunch Program.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9265

Overview

HR 9265, introduced in the 119th Congress on June 11, 2026, seeks to amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require participation in the summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program as a condition of participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The bill establishes a phased rollout for summer EBT participation and ultimately makes summer EBT participation a mandatory condition for states that participate in NSLP starting in summer 2027 and beyond.

Purpose and intent

  • To tie NSLP participation to mandatory participation in the summer meal program administered via the summer EBT program.
  • To expand ongoing summer nutrition benefits for eligible children by ensuring states participating in NSLP also participate in, or at least coordinate with, the summer EBT program.

Key provisions and changes

  • Programming structure and participation (sections 13A and related amendments):
    • Redefines and reorganizes the summer EBT participation framework, replacing earlier language about “electing to participate” with a clearer requirement framework.
    • Establishes a two-part structure:
    • Summers 2024–2026: States and covered Indian Tribal organizations participate in the summer EBT program if they elect to participate under the new framework.
    • Summers 2027 and beyond: States and covered Indian Tribal organizations that participate in NSLP must participate in the summer EBT program (mandatory).
  • Administrative and management planning:
    • For summers 2027 and beyond, states participating in NSLP must comply with the requirements under section 13(n)(3) (the precise provisions of which pertain to planning, administration, and reporting for the programs involved).
    • Changes to the administrative timeline require states to notify by January 1 of each year their intent to administer NSLP, and to submit for approval by February 15 a management and administration plan for the applicable program, incorporating elements described in the bill (A–F of another subparagraph).
  • Participation requirement:
    • Beginning with summer 2027, a State that participates in NSLP shall participate in the summer EBT program (making summer EBT a mandatory condition for NSLP participants).

Affected parties

  • States that operate the NSLP and their corresponding agencies.
  • Covered Indian Tribal organizations (as defined in the bill) participating in or eligible for NSLP and the summer EBT program.
  • Households and children who rely on NSLP and summer nutrition benefits, as the expansion seeks to ensure continued access to summer nutrition through EBT.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Summers 2024–2026:
    • States and covered Indian Tribal organizations may elect to participate in the summer EBT program under the revised framework.
  • Summers 2027 and beyond:
    • Mandatory participation in the summer EBT program for all States participating in NSLP.
    • States must notify the Secretary of intent to participate in NSLP by January 1 each year.
    • States must submit a detailed management and administration plan for both NSLP and the summer EBT program by February 15 each year, with required elements specified in the bill.
  • Administrative alignment:
    • The bill reorganizes and renumbers existing program requirements, with explicit cross-references to ensure compliance with the unified administration of NSLP and summer EBT.

Notes for readers

  • The bill does not specify funding levels or funding mechanisms for the summer EBT program; it focuses on participation requirements and administrative planning.
  • If enacted, the timeline would gradually convert from an elective participation model (2024–2026) to a mandatory participation model (2027 onward) for states in NSLP.

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

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