Signed by Governor Kim Reynolds

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that establishes guidelines for schools when handling students' lunch debt.

Highlights:

• Requires school districts to provide a reimbursable meal to any student requesting it (Sec. 2).

• Establishes a process for schools to seek setoff for certain lunch debt pursuant to Iowa Code, which will require obtaining a parent’s social security number (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that before a school district can seek setoff for lunch debt, the following requirements must be met (Sec. 1):

• The school district has made “reasonable efforts” to collect a student’s lunch debt for at least 2 years; and

• The amount of the debt owed by a student is at least $500.

• Prohibits publicly identifying students with lunch debt (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes school districts to create an unpaid student meals account into which they may deposit funds received from outside sources for paying student meal debt (Sec. 2).

• Requires school districts to provide information twice annually to all parents regarding the application process for Free and Reduced Meals, and additionally if a student owes lunch debt for 5 or more meals (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text