Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Education Committee

HB 2448

Brief Description:  Authorizing access to school meal programs and kitchen facilities.

Sponsors:  Representatives Quall, Talcott, Haigh and Cox.

Hearing Date:  1/31/02

Staff:  Susan Morrissey (786‑7111).

Background:

Under current law, school districts may establish, equip and operate lunchrooms in school buildings for students and school employees and for school and employee functions.  Since the adoption of the law, the function of school meal programs has expanded to include breakfasts for students, meals for educational organizations meeting in school facilities, participation in a variety of governmentally sponsored nutrition programs for children, and other functions hosted by school districts.  Auditors have questioned whether current law permits school districts to use their lunchrooms for these expanded activities.

Summary of Bill:

School districts may establish, equip and operate meal programs in school buildings.  The programs may be provided for students; school employees; volunteers; public agencies; political subdivisions or associations that serve public entities while using school facilities; other state, local or federal child nutrition programs; and school or employee functions.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.