House Bill 24-0003

SENATE:

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

• Celia Simmons

• Jeanette Murphy

• Julia Willis

This bill aims to enhance the educational and social environment for students in our state by establishing provisions for affordable after-school care, providing free lunches to all students, and setting a standardized school start time of no earlier than 8:30 AM.

Affordable After School Care:

• Establish a program that subsidizes after-school care for families, ensuring access to safe, structured, and enriching environments for children from dismissal until 6:00 PM.

• Allocate funding to support community partnerships with local organizations to provide a variety of after-school activities that cater to diverse interests and needs.

Free Lunch Program:

• Implement a universal free lunch program for all students in public schools, ensuring no child goes hungry during the school day.

• Promote healthy eating habits by providing nutritious meal options that meet state and federal dietary guidelines.

Standardized Start Times:

• Mandate that all public schools commence classes no earlier than 8:30 AM, aligning school schedules with research on adolescent health and optimal learning.

• Allow for flexibility in implementation to accommodate local community needs while ensuring that all schools adhere to the new start time.

This initiative aims to improve educational outcomes, support working families, and promote the overall well-being of students. By providing affordable after-school care and free lunches, we can alleviate financial burdens on families and ensure that all children have access to necessary resources. Additionally, later start times will contribute to better mental and physical health among students, leading to enhanced academic performance and overall quality of life.

Funding: The bill proposes the allocation of state funds and seeks federal grants to support the implementation of these provisions, ensuring sustainability and effectiveness in meeting the needs of our students and families.

Conclusion: By passing this bill, we will take significant steps toward creating an equitable and supportive educational system that prioritizes the needs of our children and families, paving the way for a brighter future for all. 

SECTION 5. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in November 2024 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.

Bill Text