SB 118-64: AtlasMeals Act - Passed

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Nay

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

Aye

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Nay

[nerd73]

Nay

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

2-4-1-11
The amendment fails.

[Pyro]

Motion for final vote.

[Joseph Cao]

You know, even aside from the fact that this was my amendment, 11 not voting is a joke beyond the usual pale of jokery.

Either y'all need to wake up or the PPT needs to get serious about dragging people in. Extend the voting period for future votes if you really need to.

[Pyro]

With no objection to the motion, a final vote is now open on this legislation.

[Pyro]

Aye

[Vice President Christian Man]

Aye

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Aye

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Aye

[Dr. MB]

Aye

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

Aye

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

Aye

[Pyro]

Passes 6-0-0-11

AtlasMeals Act

SENATE BILL

to establish a federal free school meals program and eliminate food-related debt for schoolchildren

Be it enacted,

Section I: We Affirm

1. The Republic of Atlasia affirms the following -

a. It is morally reprehensible for any child to be permitted to go hungry, or to be forced into food-related debt.
b. It is the duty of the Republic of Atlasia to seek an end to child hunger and food-related debt.

Section II: AtlasMeals Program

1. It is hereby authorized to be appropriated the funds necessary to enable the Subdepartments of Education and Agriculture to assist the regions and states to initiate and maintain nonprofit breakfast, lunch, and dinner programs in all public schools which apply for assistance and agree to carry out the nonprofit food program to provide free meals to children who are living below 300% of the poverty line enrolled at these schools in accordance with this law.

a. Payments shall be made to each regional educational agency each fiscal year in an amount determined by the Subdepartments of Education and Agriculture, calculated based on the number of meals served and the national average payment for free meals.
i. This amount may be adjusted annually for inflation and per changes in the cost of operating the AtlasMeals Program.

b. Funds apportioned and paid to any region for the purpose of this law shall be disbursed by the regional educational agency to schools selected by the regional educational agency to assist those schools in operating the AtlasMeals Program.

c. Any school that participates in the AtlasMeals Program shall not, as a condition of participation -
i. Collect any debt owed to the school for unpaid meal charges.
ii. Accrue debt for unpaid meal charges.
iii. Physically segregate or otherwise discriminate against any child participating in the AtlasMeals Program.

d. Meals served by schools participating in the AtlasMeals Program shall consist of a combination of foods, including locally sourced farm products, and shall meet the minimum nutritional requirements prescribed by the Subdepartments of Education and Agriculture based on tested nutritional research.

e. The Subdepartments of Education and Agriculture shall be directed to establish a program under which all schools participating in the AtlasMeals Program shall be reimbursed for all delinquent debt.
i. Delinquent debt shall mean debt owed by parent or guardian of a child to a school for meals served.
ii. Reimbursements shall be provided no later than 180 days after this law takes effect.

Section III: Implementation

1. This act shall take effect on June 1st, 2024.

Aye(s): 6: Pyro, Christian Man, Weatherboy, MB, TimTurner, LT
Nay(s): 0
Abstain(s): 0
Not Voting: 11: Adam Griffin, AFE, Fhtagn, Jay, LordRichard, Muad'dib, Nerd, Razze, Reagente, Rfayette, TPH

Wall of Shame Vote 6:
Adam Griffin: 6
Lord Richard: 5
Razze, AFE, Nerd: 3
Muad'dib, RFayette: 2
Fhtagn, Jay, Reagente, TPH: 1