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An Act To Modernize the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  this legislation requires the Department of Education to develop an Internet-based application for free or reduced-price school meals and to make that application available for use by August 1, 2019; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §6601-A, as enacted by PL 2017, c. 238, §1, is amended to read:
§ 6601-A.Free or reduced-price school meals; Internet-based school meal applications
The department shall develop and make information available to public schools regardingan Internet-based applications for eligible studentsapplication for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program under 7 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 210 and the School Breakfast Program under 7 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 220. A public school may make anthe Internet-based application developed by the department available for school meal applications. If a public school implements anthe Internet-based application process under this section, the public school shall make available acontinue to distribute paper applicationapplications for school meals to any student, parent or legal guardian who requests oneall students.
Sec. 2. Internet-based application development. The Department of Education shall make the Internet-based application for free or reduced-price school meals under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 6601-A available by August 1, 2019.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
Current law requires the Department of Education to make information available to public schools regarding Internet-based applications for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. This bill requires the department to develop and make available to public schools a specific Internet-based application for the National School Lunch Program as well as for the School Breakfast Program. A public school that implements the Internet-based application process is required to continue to distribute paper applications for school meals to all students.