HB1238 mandates that all schools offer free breakfast and lunch to any student who asks for it, regardless of their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.
The Washington State Senate passed HB1238 on April 11, 2023 by a vote of 44 to 5. We have assigned pluses to the nays because taxpayers should not be funding meals for all public-school students. This bill increases government spending and expands the role of government. Providing free meals to all students, regardless of need, removes the personal responsibility of parents and guardians to provide for their children’s meals.