Arkansas House Approves Senate-Backed Bill to Fund Free School Meals With Medical Marijuana Revenue
- Arkansas Senate passes a bill proposed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to fund free breakfast and lunch programs for students using revenue from medical marijuana sales
- The bill aims to provide sustainable funding for the programs by redirecting tax revenue from medical marijuana sales, which reached $275.9 million in 2024
- The Arkansas medical marijuana program was established in 2016 through voter-approved Amendment 98 and is regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health
- Senate Bill 59 now moves to the House for consideration, with approval potentially leading to its enactment by Governor Huckabee.
The bill, which advances a proposal first introduced by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, now moves to the House for consideration.
Sanders initially outlined the plan in her State of the State address, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding to support free breakfast and lunch programs for students. She stated that medical marijuana tax revenue would help ensure long-term financial stability for these initiatives.
According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, medical marijuana sales in the state reached $275.9 million in 2024, generating significant tax revenue. This funding would be redirected to bolster school meal programs, making breakfast completely free for any student who chooses to participate.
Arkansas’ medical marijuana program was established after voters approved Amendment 98 in 2016. The program, regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health, provides access to medical marijuana for qualifying patients through licensed dispensaries. With continued growth in sales, the revenue generated has become a key resource for state-funded initiatives.
With strong Senate approval, Senate Bill 59 now awaits a vote in the House, with approval sending the measure to a supportive Governor Huckabee.