Kansas HB2637: Requiring eligible boards of education to consider participation in the community eligibility provision, providing a financial hardship exception from such participation and requiring the state department of education to assist school districts seeking such participation

What the bill says

An act concerning education; relating to school districts; requiring eligible boards of education to consider participation in the community eligibility program; providing a financial hardship exception to such participation; requiring the state department of education to assist school districts seeking such participation.

From the introduced text, February 3, 2026:

AN ACT concerning education; relating to school districts; requiring eligible boards of education to consider participation in the community eligibility program; providing a financial hardship exception to such participation; requiring the state department of education to assist school districts seeking such participation. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas: Section 1. (a) The board of education of each school district shall determine the number of students enrolled in and attending school in each school of such district who qualifies for free meals under the national school lunch program. School districts may provide appropriate instruction and assistance to students and families as necessary to ensure accurate student participation in such program. (b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), after making the determination provided in subsection (a), if a school district or school of the school district is eligible to participate in the community eligibility provision of 42 U.S.C. § 1759a, the board of education of such school district shall consider such participation. If such participation is so desired and would not cause financial hardship as provided in paragraph (2), such board of education shall adopt by majority vote a resolution to officially affirm such participation. (2) If participation in the community eligibility provision of U.S.C. § 1759a would cause financial hardship to a school district, the …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• R. Essex, Robyn (R, 78) · primary sponsor
• Lauren Bohi (R)
• Charlotte Esau (R)
• Angela Stiens (R)
• Laura Williams (R)

Latest actions

1. April 10, 2026: Died in Committee
2. February 3, 2026: Referred to House Committee on Education
3. February 3, 2026: Introduced

Common questions

What is HB2637?

HB2637 is a bill in the Kansas Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Requiring eligible boards of education to consider participation in the community eligibility provision, providing a financial hardship exception from such participation and requiring the state department of education to assist school districts seeking such participation.

What does HB2637 do?

In its own words: An act concerning education; relating to school districts; requiring eligible boards of education to consider participation in the community eligibility program; providing a financial hardship exception to such participation; requiring the state department of education to assist school districts seeking such participation.

What is the status of HB2637?

In committee as of April 10, 2026. Latest action: Died in Committee (April 10, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2637?

R. Essex, Robyn (R, 78), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2637?

On the Kansas Legislature website: https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2637/