North Dakota lawmakers are weighing how to fund free school meals, but the debate isn’t about whether to provide them—it’s about where the money should come from. A legislative committee backed using $140 million from the state’s general fund rather than tapping the Legacy Fund, North Dakota’s oil-fueled investment account. Supporters say it’s time for the state to cover school meal costs, while opponents warn that big spending could sideline property tax relief. Both funding options now head to a full House vote, where the next decision awaits.
Get the full story from Jeff Beach with the North Dakota Monitor. Bill details can be found below.
HB 1475
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 15.1-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to providing breakfast and lunch to all students of participating entities, including school districts, nonpublic schools, and tribal schools, at no cost to the student.
House Sponsors: Hatlestad (R, District 1), Conmy (D, District 11), Hager (D, District 21), Holle (R, District 31), Ista (D, District 43), Jonas (R, District 13), Novak (R, District 33), Schreiber-Beck (R, District 25),
Senate Sponsors: Cleary (R, District 35), Mathern (D, District 11),
