Bill > S06858

This bill requires school districts 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 with days longer than five hours. The legislation recognizes the importance of recess for children's physical and mental well-being, particularly in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and rising childhood obesity rates. The bill specifies 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 when possible, and schools must develop alternative plans if they lack appropriate playground or indoor spaces. The bill also prohibits using recess as a disciplinary tool or withholding it to complete academic work, except in rare safety situations. Schools must publish any guidelines about recess restrictions in their handbooks or websites. Lunch breaks and physical education are to be considered separate from this mandatory recess time. The bill will take effect on the first of July following its passage into law.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6858