summary
Introduced
12/23/2025
12/23/2025
In Committee
12/23/2025
12/23/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, this bill requires public schools, including charter schools, to schedule at least 60 minutes of recess each school day for pupils in grades kindergarten to six. The bill specifies that pupils may not use computers, tablets, phones, or other personal electronic devices during minutes of recess that fulfill this requirement. The bill defines “recess” as time during which pupils have supervised, unstructured time for physical activity, play, organized games, or social engagement with other pupils. Under the bill, recess may not be withheld from a pupil as a disciplinary or punitive action, unless the pupil’s participation in recess poses an immediate threat to the safety of the pupil or others. In addition, the Department of Public Instruction must annually provide guidance and model professional development related to implementing the recess requirements in the bill. Under current law, school boards and private schools participating in a parental choice program must annually schedule a minimum number of hours of direct pupil instruction. Current law specifies that time spent at recess counts toward this requirement. However, DPI’s current administrative rules state that no more than 30 minutes per day of recess may be counted towards the hours of direct pupil instruction requirement. The bill provides that up to 60 minutes per day of recess may count towards this requirement. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill requires public schools, including charter schools, to provide at least 60 minutes of daily recess for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The bill defines recess as supervised, unstructured time for physical activity, play, organized games, or social engagement, and explicitly prohibits the use of electronic devices during this time. Schools are not allowed to withhold recess as a punishment, except in cases where a student's participation would pose an immediate safety threat. The legislation mandates that schools make reasonable efforts to minimize recess exclusions and requires the Department of Public Instruction to provide guidance and professional development resources for implementing these recess requirements. Additionally, the bill updates existing regulations to allow up to 60 minutes of daily recess to count towards the required hours of direct pupil instruction, which was previously limited to 30 minutes. This change aims to ensure that students have adequate time for physical activity and social interaction during the school day, potentially supporting their overall well-being and learning.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (5)
Elijah Behnke (R)*,
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Joy Goeben (R)*,
William Penterman (R)*,
Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R),
Last Action
Representative Kurtz added as a coauthor (on 01/29/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab810 |
| Fiscal Note - AB810: Fiscal Estimate From DPI | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/ab810/ab810_dpi.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB810.pdf |
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