Kansas Senate passes bill scrutinizing free lunch families, dodging challenges from some Republicans

By: Anna Kaminski

Outlets: Kansas Reflector

Published: February 12, 2026

Words: 784

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

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TOPEKA — A contingent of Senate Republicans narrowly passed a bill that would increase scrutiny of households that qualify for free and reduced lunch, but it fielded pushback from Democrats and fellow Republicans.

One of those Republicans said during a debate Wednesday that his colleagues were overreaching in their attempt to make schools ask for legislative approval to participate in a federal free meal program.

Senate Bill 387 also would require schools to verify …

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