Bill > A06939

This bill requires all school districts in New York to provide a minimum of 30 minutes of daily recess for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and sixth-grade students in elementary schools, in any school where the school day exceeds five hours. The bill recognizes the importance of recess for students' physical and mental well-being, particularly in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and rising childhood obesity rates. The legislation mandates that recess should be student-directed, supervised, and free from electronic devices, with schools providing physical play materials like balls and jump ropes. Recess should be held outdoors whenever possible, and schools without adequate playground space must develop alternative physical play plans or seek a waiver. The bill explicitly states that recess cannot be routinely withheld as a punishment, except in cases of immediate safety concerns, and cannot be used to complete academic work or as a disciplinary measure. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that recess is separate from lunch breaks and physical education classes, and encourages school districts to exceed the minimum recess requirements.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6939