Recess in public schools. (FE)

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, this bill requires public schools, including charter schools, to schedule at least 60 minutes of recess each school day for pupils in grades kindergarten to six. The bill specifies that pupils may not use computers, tablets, phones, or other personal electronic devices during minutes of recess that fulfill this requirement. The bill defines “recess” as time during which pupils have supervised, unstructured time for physical activity, play, organized games, or social engagement with other pupils. Under the bill, recess may not be withheld from a pupil as a disciplinary or punitive action, unless the pupil’s participation in recess poses an immediate threat to the safety of the pupil or others. In addition, the Department of Public Instruction must annually provide guidance and model professional development related to implementing the recess requirements in the bill.

Under current law, school boards and private schools participating in a parental choice program must annually schedule a minimum number of hours of direct pupil instruction. Current law specifies that time spent at recess counts toward this requirement. However, DPI’s current administrative rules state that no more than 30 minutes per day of recess may be counted towards the hours of direct pupil instruction requirement. The bill provides that up to 60 minutes per day of recess may count towards this requirement.

Who's behind it

4 representatives are its authors⁠. All 4 are Republicans.

3 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DPI