Bill > HB2849

This bill requires the Texas Department of State Health Services School Health Advisory Committee to develop model policies for school recess that promote constructive, age-appropriate outdoor playtime, including guidelines for outdoor equipment and facilities. School district boards of trustees must then review these model policies and recommendations from their local school health advisory council to adopt a comprehensive recess policy that specifies the required number of weekly unstructured playtime minutes and whether recess can be withheld as a form of student discipline. The bill establishes a timeline for implementation, with the advisory committee required to develop model policies by January 1, 2026, school districts to adopt their specific recess policies by May 1, 2026, and full implementation of these policies to begin at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. The Act will take effect on September 1, 2025, and mandates that school districts review and potentially revise their recess policies at least every five years to ensure they continue to meet the recommended guidelines for promoting physical activity and student well-being.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2849