North Dakota lawmakers have voted down a bill that would have provided free school meals to K-12 students, citing the $140 million price tag as too steep. House Bill 1475 failed in a 54-39 vote, despite support from advocates who argued it would ease financial strain on families, reduce meal debt, and improve student nutrition. Supporters saw it as a practical way to help families cope with inflation, but opponents said the cost was unsustainable. For now, the push for universal free meals remains an uphill battle.
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),
