(CNN) California just took a step toward making its school environments a little more inclusive.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a new piece of legislation that guarantees all students will receive lunch even if their parents or guardians have not paid their meal fees.

The bill, authored by state Sen. Robert Hertzberg, says students shouldn't be denied a meal of their choice because of unpaid fees. It also ensures "that the pupil is not shamed or treated differently from other pupils."

The legislation also addresses ways to more effectively notify parents and guardians of a negative balance.

Newsom's support for the bill was in part inspired by a young boy, the California governor said.

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