New Jersey · 2026-2027 Regular Session · Bill

A 3871: Requires public and nonpublic schools with lunch programs to provide free lunch to increasing numbers of income-eligible students and, after five-year phase-in, to provide free lunch to all students, regardless of income or federal eligibility.

In committee Last action January 13, 2026: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee

Plain-language summary

A 3871 is a bill introduced in the New Jersey House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Requires public and nonpublic schools with lunch programs to provide free lunch to increasing numbers of income-eligible students and, after five-year phase-in, to provide free lunch to all students, regardless of income or federal eligibility. Primary sponsor: Craig Coughlin (Democratic), Shanique Speight (Democratic), Carol Murphy (Democratic), Shama Haider (Democratic). It lists 5 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (January 13, 2026): Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee.

Sponsors

Primary sponsors: Craig Coughlin (Democratic); Shanique Speight (Democratic); Carol Murphy (Democratic); Shama Haider (Democratic). 5 co-sponsors.