Requires Free Breakfast for Virginia Students
Virginia · HB96 · Introduced Jan 2, 2026
Why it matters
Students who ask for breakfast would get it at no cost unless a parent objects in writing. Schools would be paid the state reimbursement for each breakfast served.
What it does
- Requires public schools to offer breakfast free to any student who requests it
- Lets a parent opt their child out by giving the school written permission
- Lets schools serve breakfast after classes start, in classrooms, or grab-and-go
- Bans schools from using outside debt collectors for unpaid meal bills
- Repeals an existing Virginia law on school breakfast, § 22.1-207.3
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would require public schools to offer free breakfast to any student who asks, unless a parent objects in writing. The state would reimburse schools for each breakfast served, with one per student per day.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Hunger and child advocacy groups would likely say free breakfast helps students learn and removes stigma. Schools would not need to track who can pay.
💬 The case against
Some school boards and budget groups would likely say the costs fall on schools and the state. They may also argue parents should decide more of these choices.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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