Bill > H543

This bill requires all public and charter schools in Massachusetts serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade to provide at least 30 consecutive minutes of supervised, safe, and unstructured free-play recess daily, with a preference for outdoor play when weather and air quality permit. If recess must be held indoors, schools must use a space that encourages physical activity. The bill specifically defines "free-play recess" as an unstructured environment supervised by school personnel. Schools are prohibited from reducing recess time due to curriculum changes or academic requirements, and they cannot withhold recess for purposes such as completing classroom work or providing individualized education services. The law allows for flexibility during shortened school days, such as those with delayed openings or early dismissals, and does not apply to days with field trips. Importantly, the state education department is instructed not to exclude recess from structured learning time requirements and cannot increase the total number of school hours to implement this provision, effectively ensuring that recess is seen as an essential part of the school day and student learning experience.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H543