Bill > H3195

This bill amends South Carolina's education laws to establish mandatory physical education and recess requirements for public school students in four-year-old kindergarten through eighth grade. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, students in kindergarten through fifth grade must receive at least 150 minutes per week of physical education and physical activity, with 90 minutes dedicated specifically to physical education, while students in sixth through eighth grade must receive at least 60 hours of physical education annually. The bill also introduces a new requirement that every student from four-year-old kindergarten through eighth grade must be provided a minimum of 20 minutes of unstructured outdoor recess daily, with provisions for indoor recess during inclement weather. Importantly, recess cannot be used to fulfill curriculum requirements or as a punishment for students. The bill allows noncertified staff or adult volunteers to assist in supervising physical activities with superintendent approval and appropriate liability insurance. Schools must report physical education and activity minutes annually to the State Department of Education, and students may seek waivers from physical education requirements under specific circumstances, such as health concerns or religious objections. The provisions of this bill are set to be fully implemented by July 1, 2026, and will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Education

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3195&session=126&summary=B