Missouri legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Missouri HB2238: Creates the "Hayes Act" governing school meals
Status: In committee, May 15, 2026
What the bill says
To amend chapter 167, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to school meals. Section A. Chapter 167, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 167.204, to read as follows: 167.204. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Hayes Act". 2. As used in this section, the term "school" shall mean any public school district, public school, public charter school, or private, religious, or parochial school that participates in the National School Lunch Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or such program's.
From the introduced text:
To amend chapter 167, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to school meals. Section A. Chapter 167, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 167.204, to read as follows: 167.204. 1. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Hayes Act". 2. As used in this section, the term "school" shall mean any public school district, public school, public charter school, or private, religious, or parochial school that participates in the National School Lunch Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or such program's successor, but that does not participate in the Community Eligibility Provision administered by the USDA, or such provision's successor. 3. A school shall provide a free lunch to each student who has been approved to receive a reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Program or its successor program. Subject to appropriation, the state board of education shall reimburse schools the difference between the total cost of each lunch provided under this subsection and the federal reimbursement rate for each lunch provided under this subsection. 4. A school shall determine which students may be eligible for free or reduced price lunch through the National School Lunch Program or its successor program and shall provide information and assistance to parents and …
Sponsors
- (D, 078) · primary sponsor