North Dakota House approves statute to start universal school meals, 55-38

The North Dakota House passed legislation on Jan. 23 to make school breakfast and lunch available at no cost in participating public schools, approving House Bill 16-24 on a 55–38 vote.

Representative Scott Nathie, the bill sponsor, told the chamber the measure mirrors a citizen initiative but intentionally places the program in statute rather than the constitution to give future legislatures flexibility. "We set up a school meals fund. This is, appropriated $65,000,000," Nathie said, describing the amount as one-year bridge funding from the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) while DPI and the Legislature gather data on implementation.

Supporters argued the program would provide immediate relief to families and allow the state to refine the program in the next regular session. Representative Jonas, a cosponsor and former educator, framed the proposal as a way to reduce household costs and improve student outcomes. "We can send $65,000,000 back into our communities this coming school year," Jonas said.

Opponents pressed fiscal and policy concerns during an extended floor debate. Representative S. Olsen argued universal coverage would pay for meals for high-income families and represent an unwanted expansion of government services: "This $65,000,000 price tag means that we are paying for the meals of the wealthiest families in this state." Other speakers raised operational questions about kitchen capacity in very small rural schools, staffing for additional meal service, and a risk that creating a statutory entitlement could be as permanent in practice as a constitutional amendment.

Lawmakers and witnesses discussed how federal reimbursements would interact with the state appropriation. Members noted that roughly 37–38% of students already qualify for federal free and reduced-price meals and that the $65 million figure includes existing appropriations; Representative Wagner and Representative Nathie referenced DPI’s estimates and the expectation that the incremental state cost would be lower after accounting for federal funds.

Key provisions: HB 16-24 places the universal-meals program into the North Dakota Century Code rather than the constitution, makes public schools automatically eligible, and leaves nonpublic, charter and tribal schools with an opt-in. Sponsor Nathie said the bill starts the program for the 2026 school year and provides a statutory framework so the Legislature can adjust funding and implementation next session.

The House sent the bill to the Senate following the 55–38 vote. The bill’s passage follows months of debate and a pending initiative petition on the ballot advocating for constitutional protection of universal meals; advocates argued statute preserves legislative oversight and adjustment, while opponents said voters should decide. The House recessed for 10 minutes after declaring the bill passed.