To amend the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to require participation in the summer EBT program as a condition of participating in the school lunch program, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 11, 2026
Bottom line
H.R. 9265 mandates that states offering school lunch programs must also provide summer EBT benefits to eligible children, aiming to reduce child hunger during summer months.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to make participation in the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program mandatory for states and covered Indian Tribal organizations that participate in the National School Lunch Program, starting in Summer 2027. Currently, participation in Summer EBT is optional for these entities. The bill also updates administrative plan requirements for states to reflect this mandatory participation.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a critical step to combat child hunger and food insecurity during the summer months when school meals are not available. They contend that making Summer EBT participation mandatory ensures that all eligible children in states participating in the National School Lunch Program receive vital nutritional support, closing a significant gap in the food safety net and improving health and educational outcomes for low-income students.
Opponents contend
Opponents may argue that mandating participation in the Summer EBT program infringes on state autonomy and could impose significant administrative burdens and costs on states, particularly those that have not previously opted into the program. They might also raise concerns about the federal government dictating state-level program administration without fully accounting for diverse local needs or existing infrastructure.
The bill is short and relatively straightforward, allowing for a quick and informed read to understand its core changes.
Section 1(a), amending 42 U.S.C. 1762(a)
Mandatory Summer EBT Participation for School Lunch Program States
This provision changes the existing Summer EBT program from an optional program to a mandatory one for states and covered Indian Tribal organizations that participate in the National School Lunch Program. Specifically, for summers 2024-2026, participation remains elective. However, beginning with summer 2027 and each summer thereafter, any state or covered Indian Tribal organization participating in the school lunch program will be required to participate in the Summer EBT program.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that making Summer EBT mandatory ensures equitable access to food assistance for all eligible children, regardless of their state's prior decision to opt-in. This standardization is crucial for addressing widespread child hunger during school breaks.
Critics contend
Critics may argue that this mandate removes state flexibility and could strain state administrative resources, particularly for states that have not previously developed the infrastructure for Summer EBT. They might contend that a voluntary program allows states to tailor participation to their specific capacities and needs.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the federal goal of universal child food security with state autonomy and administrative capacity. It aims to ensure consistent access to benefits but may impose new operational requirements on states.
Section 1(c), amending 42 U.S.C. 1762(g) and 42 U.S.C. 1761(n)
Updated Administrative and Management Plan Requirements
This section modifies the requirements for states to submit administrative and management plans for the Summer EBT program. For summers 2024-2026, the existing plan submission process for electing states remains. However, starting in 2027, states *required* to participate in Summer EBT (due to their participation in the school lunch program) must comply with new requirements under Section 13(n)(3) of the Act, which includes notifying the Secretary of their intent to administer the program and submitting a detailed management and administration plan by specific deadlines.
The bill mandates participation in the 'program established under paragraph (1)' of Section 13A(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. This refers to the Summer EBT program, whose specific operational details, eligibility criteria, and benefit levels are defined in the broader existing statute, not explicitly in this bill.
Section 1(a), amending 42 U.S.C. 1762(a)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for amending existing laws. It avoids reprinting lengthy sections of code and focuses only on the changes being made.
Case for: This legislative drafting style is efficient, focusing the bill text on the specific changes. It assumes readers have access to the full U.S. Code.
Case against: For a casual reader, understanding the full implications of the bill requires external research into the referenced sections of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, making it less accessible.
Estimated impact: The impact is that the existing Summer EBT program, with all its established rules and benefits, will become universally available in states that participate in the National School Lunch Program.