LINCOLN - A bill to make more Nebraska students from low-income families eligible for free school lunches won first-round approval from lawmakers on Thursday.

The Legislature advanced the Hunger-Free Schools Act (LB966) from Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh to the second round of debate on a 32-7 vote. Thursday marked Day 55 of the 60-day session. It was the final day for bills to be considered on the first of three rounds of debate. Currently, students from families who earn between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level, or roughly $5,000 per month for a family of 4, qualify for reduced-price school meals.

Cavanaugh's bill, which was prioritized by Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt, would allow the roughly 27,000 students at Nebraska's public and private schools who qualify for reduced-cost lunches to get those meals for free.

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