Joint panel advances bill to begin universal school meals program with $65 million start-up

A North Dakota joint appropriations committee advanced a bill on Tuesday to create a state-funded universal school meals program and provide a $65 million appropriation for the program’s first year.

Representative Mike Nathie introduced House Bill 16‑24, which would place a universal breakfast and lunch program in state statute rather than the constitution and begin funding a year earlier than an ongoing petition effort would. Nathie told the committee the statutory route preserves legislative flexibility: “We are putting it into the century code. It gives us the flexibility to manage this program,” he said during his presentation.

Officials from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) described the fiscal assumptions behind the committee’s estimate. Lynelle Johnson, director of DPI’s Child Nutrition and Food Distribution, said DPI’s $65 million estimate does not assume additional costs for nonpublic schools that do not participate, and that roughly 26,000 students automatically qualify through other programs such as SNAP or Medicaid. On whether non‑participating private schools were included in the estimate, Johnson said plainly: “None of it.”

Supporters including North Dakota United and public‑health advocates urged the committee to approve the bill. Nick Archuleta of North Dakota United told members the measure would provide meaningful relief to families and estimated that households could save “between $1,000 and $1,500 per child.” Other advocates said universal meals reduce stigma, improve learning and can help families facing affordability pressures.

Skeptics pressed the panel on specifics: how the program would be funded beyond the one‑year appropriation, whether the change would reduce parents’ completion of free‑and‑reduced applications (which can affect other federal funding), and whether nonpublic schools that opt in should be subject to different reporting or governance requirements. Nathie and DPI officials said further appropriations decisions will be made in the 2027 budget process and outlined options that might include SIF, trust funds or future appropriations.

After extended debate and a series of procedural votes, the committee adopted DPI technical changes and sent the bill to the House with a due‑pass recommendation as amended. The bill now proceeds to the House floor for a full vote before the Senate considers it. If enacted, the program’s statutory language is intended to let future legislatures adjust implementation and funding levels rather than enshrine spending in the constitution.