HB 475

Abstract

Amends the School Code. With respect to the purchase of textbooks for children whose parents are unable to buy them and the waiver of fees assessed on children whose parents are unable to afford them, changes a reference from children eligible for free lunches or breakfasts under the Community School Lunch Program to children living in households that meet the free lunch or breakfast eligibility guidelines established by the federal government pursuant to the federal Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, subject to verification. Provides that any school board that participates in a federally funded, school-based child nutrition program and uses a student's application for, eligibility for, or participation in the federally funded, school-based child nutrition program as the basis for waiving fees assessed by the school district must follow the verification requirements of the federally funded, school-based child nutrition program. Provides that a school board that establishes a process for the determination of eligibility for waiver of fees assessed by the school district that is completely independent of a student's application for, eligibility for, or participation in a federally funded, school-based child nutrition program may provide for fee waiver verification no more often than every 60 calendar days, with conditions. Effective September 1, 2009 or immediately, whichever is later.