Texas HB2526 mandates grace period policies for school districts regarding student meal cards or accounts with insufficient balances.

HB2526 requires Texas school districts to adopt a grace period policy for students with insufficient meal card or account balances. The policy must allow students to continue purchasing meals for at least one week after their balance is exhausted. Districts must attempt to notify parents about the balance and assist with payment plans. Districts cannot charge fees, transfer negative balances to the next school year, or penalize students for insufficient balances. Meals must continue to be provided at no cost after the grace period. The act takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

Texas HB2526 mandates grace period policies for school districts regarding student meal cards or accounts with insufficient balances.

HB2526 requires Texas school districts to adopt a grace period policy for students with insufficient meal card or account balances. The policy must allow students to continue purchasing meals for at least one week after their balance is exhausted. Districts must attempt to notify parents about the balance and assist with payment plans. Districts cannot charge fees, transfer negative balances to the next school year, or penalize students for insufficient balances. Meals must continue to be provided at no cost after the grace period. The act takes effect for the 2025-2026 school year.