Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB1964

Amends the Childhood Hunger Relief Act. Requires the State Board of Education to promulgate a State plan for summer food service programs by June 1, 2007 (instead of by January 15, 2006). Provides that on or before April 15, 2008, a school district must promulgate a plan to have a summer food service program for each school in which at least 50% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, and provides that the plan must be implemented during the summer of 2008 (now, certain boards of education are strongly encouraged to operate a summer food service program or identify a non-profit or private agency to sponsor a summer food service program). Provides that if the school district has one or more elementary schools that qualify, the summer food service program must be operated within 5 miles of at least one of the elementary schools and within 10 miles of the other elementary schools, if any. Provides that if a school is not open during the summer months, the school district may identify a not-for-profit entity that is willing to sponsor a summer food service program serving school-aged children in the surrounding school area and may provide assistance to the entity in documenting the number of children in the area who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Provides that summer food service programs shall (instead of may) be supported by federal funds and commodities and other available State and local resources. Effective immediately.

Deletes everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill as introduced with the following changes. Provides that each summer food service program must operate for a minimum of 35 consecutive days. Provides that if a school is not open during the summer months, the school district shall (instead of may) identify a not-for-profit entity that is willing to sponsor a summer food service program and shall (instead of may) provide assistance to the entity in documenting the number of children in the area who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Requires the State Board of Education to provide to each school district a list of local organizations that have filed letters of intent to participate in the summer food service program so that the school board is able to determine how many sites are needed to serve the children and where to place each site. Provides that a school district shall be allowed to opt out of the summer food service program requirement if it is determined that, due to circumstances specific to that school district, the expense reimbursement would not fully cover the costs of implementing and operating a summer food service program. Sets forth provisions concerning the opt-out procedure. Provides that a school district may not attempt to opt out of the summer food service program requirement by requesting a waiver under the School Code. Effective immediately.

Deletes everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill as amended by House Amendment No. 1, with the following changes. Makes changes concerning dates with respect to the State Board of Education and school districts promulgating summer food service program plans and allowing school districts to opt out of the summer food service program requirement. Provides for a summer breakfast or lunch (or both) food service program (instead of just a summer food service program). Provides that a school must have a summer school program in order for the summer food service program requirement to apply. Makes changes concerning the duration of a summer food service program, providing for if a school district has one or more elementary schools that qualify or if a school is not open during the summer months, and a list of local organizations willing to participate in a program. Removes a provision concerning requesting a School Code waiver. Effective immediately.

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