REFERENCE TITLE: appropriation; free school meals; ADE

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

HB 2579

Introduced by

Representatives Gutierrez: Abeytia, Austin, Blattman, Cavero, Connolly, Contreras P, Crews, De Los Santos, Garcia, Hernandez A, Hernandez C, Liguori, Luna-Nájera, Mathis, Peshlakai, Simacek, Stahl Hamilton, Travers, Villegas, Volk

AN ACT

appropriating monies to the department of education.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Appropriation; department of education; free school meals; intent

A. The sum of $4,500,000 is appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2026-2027 to the department of education to provide free school meals for children who meet the income eligibility requirements for free and reduced-price lunches under the national school lunch and child nutrition acts (42 United States Code sections 1751 through 1793).

B. The legislature intends that the appropriation made in subsection A of this section be considered ongoing funding in future years.