Panel approves tax‑return donation option to help school meal debt

Representative McPherson told the committee the bill would add a voluntary donation field on state tax returns to create a school meals debt fund administered by the State Board of Education. The substitute requires LEAs to report meal‑debt totals to the board, which would appropriate funds where needs are greatest.

The substitute includes a threshold to guard against a persistently inactive fund: if the fund collects less than $30,000 over two tax years, it would be closed and the option discontinued. The sponsor said the field is an open donation amount and noted other existing donation fields on the return already raise six‑figure amounts for some nonprofits.

Representative Gwynn and others asked about distribution fairness among local education agencies; McPherson said the State Board would establish reporting mechanisms and distribution rules. Committee members voiced broad support, and Representative Daley Provo moved and the committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 148 with a favorable recommendation by voice vote.

What happens next: the bill passed out of committee with a favorable recommendation; the State Board of Education will be tasked with reporting and distribution procedures if the bill becomes law.