By Sydney Zatz
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – North Dakota moved closer to providing free school meals for all students after the House passed legislation during Thursday’s special session.
House Bill 1624 passed in a 55-38 vote, allocating $65 million for free breakfast and lunch for all students. Private and tribal schools will need to opt in to receive the free meals.
“I’m very excited that this is being taken up in the special session. I’ve been working on this legislation for five years now, so three legislative sessions. We haven’t been able to get it done. Not to this extent of providing school meals for all students in the state,” said Rep. LaurieBeth Hager, D-District 21.
Second bill fails
The House considered two bills, both covering only the upcoming school year. House Bill 1627 failed 48-35, which would have expanded free school meal eligibility based on financial status.
“The bill that I prefer, it just provides it for everyone. Not based on income, it’s just based on the child is a person and all persons should have food. No matter what the conditions are,” said Sen. Tim Mathern, D-District 11.
Bipartisan support
Republicans also backed the universal meal plan.
“Yea, we’ve heard a lot from young families. We think it would be beneficial for those young families that are sending multiple kids to school districts. The figure is about $800 – $1,000 per each student for breakfast and lunch. We feel it’s a win-win along with the property tax and school lunches for the people of North Dakota,” said Rep. Jim Jonas, R-District 13.
Amy Jacobson with Together for School Meals said in a statement:
“This conversation is happening because citizens have refused to let the issue fade away. The coalition has not taken a position on the legislation and will continue to monitor the process closely.”
Rep. Austen Schauer, R-District 13, acknowledged the divisive nature of the issue.
“It’s a hot subject, there’s no question about this. Again, you don’t have those income guidelines and a lot of people have a hard, hard time with that. On the other side, we’re pretty certain that this initiative measure is going to go through. So we’ve tried to find some middle ground,” Schauer said.
The bill now heads to the Senate. Lawmakers said they expect more thorough discussion during the 2027 legislative session.
North Dakota’s special session is expected to wrap up by the end of the day Friday.
