Healthy Recess for Learning Act

Key Points

• This bill encourages local school districts to provide students with at least 60 minutes of physical activity during every school day. This time can include traditional gym classes, recess, or other types of active play and exercise.
• The plan aims to help the 21 percent of American youth who are obese and the 25 percent of children who do not get enough exercise. Supporters say that regular movement helps kids focus better, improves their memory, and leads to higher grades.
• Schools would be allowed to use federal education funds to create and run these physical activity programs. While the bill does not force schools to change their schedules, it asks them to explain how they will meet the 60-minute goal in their official plans.
• The bill addresses a trend where recess time has dropped significantly over the last 20 years, especially in schools located in lower-income neighborhoods. It seeks to ensure all students have the same chance to be active regardless of where they live.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.