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North Dakota House Approves Universal Free School Meals Bill, Moves to Senate

The vote advances a universal program that backers prefer to enact in statute rather than through a constitutional mandate.

House chambers (KFGO file photo)
Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, speaks about free school meals on the House floor on Jan. 22, 2026. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
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Overview

  • House Bill 1624 would provide free breakfast and lunch to all K–12 students regardless of income.
  • The Department of Public Instruction estimates the 2026–27 cost at about $65 million, with funding drawn from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund.
  • Supporters on the House floor cited the need for legislative control as a similar initiative heads to voters, while opponents questioned costs and necessity.
  • A competing measure, HB 1627, proposes expanding eligibility to 300% of the federal poverty level and advanced without a committee recommendation.
  • The Together for Free School Meals coalition continues gathering signatures for a November vote, and Gov. Kelly Armstrong has said he expects the measure to pass.