SB1809

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to school meals.

Introduced·1/20/26
Draft Text

Tennessee SB1809 amends school meal provisions to require free breakfast and lunch for all students.

Tennessee SB1809 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, to mandate that each local school board establish a school lunch and breakfast program providing free meals to all enrolled students. This change removes previous language that allowed for exclusions based on federal program participation. The state will reimburse local educational agencies for the cost of these meals after federal funds are applied, effective for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond.

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  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Education Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Mar 18

1:00 PM

Senate Education Hearing

Mar 11

3:00 PM

Senate Education Hearing

History

Mar 18

Senate

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Education Committee

Mar 12

Senate

Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 3/18/2026

Mar 11

Senate

Action deferred in Senate Education Committee to 3/18/2026