The North Dakota Senate voted down a bill Friday that would have provided free school meals to all K-12 students, leaving the issue likely headed to a statewide ballot, according to the North Dakota Monitor. House Bill 1624 failed on a 24-22 vote, one day after passing the House 55-38.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, would have provided $65 million to fund free breakfast and lunch beginning next school year, according to reporting by the North Dakota Monitor. Supporters said placing the program in state law would allow lawmakers to adjust funding and policy in future sessions. Opponents argued the cost could be better spent elsewhere and said lawmakers should not rush legislation to head off a constitutional measure.
The Together for Free School Meals coalition said it will continue gathering signatures to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot, according to the North Dakota Monitor.
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