Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that extends and expands free school meal coverage in Hawaii.

Highlights:

• Extends and expands the Preschool Open Doors Program's eligibility criteria (Sec. 1-5).

• Repeals the requirement that Preschool Open Doors Program providers be accredited in Hawaii (Sec. 1-5).

• Expands subsidies to improve and expand affordable early learning for families with 2-year-old children (Sec. 1-5).

• Specifies that for the next 2 years, students shall be eligible for reduced lunches will have access to free school meals (Sec. 1-5).

• Requires that meals must be provided to a student regardless of account balance (Sec. 1-5).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect beginning January 1, 2025 (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text