Current with legislation from 2024 Fiscal and Special Sessions.
Section 6-18-715 - Hunger-Free Students' Bill of Rights Act - Definition(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Hunger-Free Students' Bill of Rights Act".(b) As used in this section, "school" means a tax-supported kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) public school that participates in the United States Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Program.(c) A school shall not:(1) Provide a student requesting a meal or snack under this section a meal or snack that is different from the meal or snack being provided to other students in the school; or(2) Prevent a student from accessing the school's meal or snack services.(d) If a student owes money for a meal or snack that is in excess of the amount charged a student for five (5) lunches, or another amount as determined by the student's school district, a school may contact the parent or guardian of the student to: (1) Attempt collection of the owed money; and(2) Request that the parent or guardian apply for meal benefits in a federal or state child nutrition program.(e) If a student is unable to pay for a meal or snack or owes money for a meal or snack, a school shall not:(1) Require the student to wear a wristband;(2) Give the student a hand stamp;(3) Require the student to dispose of a meal or snack after the student is served the meal or snack;(4) Require the student to sit in a location separate from other students;(5) Publicly make known the name of the student; or(6) Perform any other action that may stigmatize the student.(f)(1) The Child Nutrition Unit shall:(A) Implement a system for reviewing the local practices of public school district food service programs to determine the support needed by public school districts; and(B) Provide model policies that public school districts may adopt.(2) The system of review established under subdivision (f)(1)(A) of this section shall address areas regarding without limitation:(A) Ideas, innovations, and best practices for providing meals to vulnerable populations that contribute to the health and well-being of public school students;(B) Resources and strategies for improving the nutritional quality and appeal of meals;(C) Tips for implementing best practices;(D) Methods for informing parents and legal guardians of a public school district's meal charge policies; and(E) Plans for recovering costs for meal charges.Added by Act 2019, No. 428,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.