South Dakota Governor Rhoden Poised to Sign Bill for Free School Lunches

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A bill aimed at providing free school lunches to students currently on reduced-price meal plans is nearing final approval in South Dakota. House Bill 1082 has passed both the House and Senate and is now awaiting Governor Larry Rhoden’s signature.

Bill Details and Financial Impact

House Bill 1082 would reimburse school districts for the cost of meals for students on reduced-price plans, which currently amounts to 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch [KELOLAND.com]. The bill passed the Senate on Monday with a vote of 20-14, with one senator excused [KELOLAND.com].

Senator Brandon Wipf, the bill’s Senate sponsor, explained that the proposal is designed to aid families whose incomes are slightly above the threshold for free meals. He estimates the state’s annual cost to be less than $600,000, which would cover approximately 1.7 million meals statewide [KELOLAND.com].

Legislative Journey and Debate

The bill’s passage wasn’t without debate. It faced a temporary setback when it was tabled in the Senate Appropriations Committee, requiring a “smoke out” to bring it to the Senate floor [KELOLAND.com].

Some lawmakers, like Senator Taffy Howard, argued that providing free lunches is not a state responsibility and that schools can address unpaid balances through local fundraising or donations [KELOLAND.com]. Still, supporters, including Representative Kadyn Wittman, the bill’s prime sponsor, emphasized the importance of ensuring students can eat at school without facing financial barriers [KELOLAND.com].

Previous Attempts and House Approval

Representative Wittman has sponsored similar legislation for four consecutive years [KELO-AM]. This marks the first time the bill has successfully passed the House [KELO-AM], before moving to the Senate.

Other Legislation

The South Dakota Senate also recently passed House Bill 1274, which prohibits the sale, distribution, and advertising of abortion pills, and sent it back to the House [MSN].