The bill amends Section 256.11 of the Iowa Code to establish specific physical activity requirements for students in public and accredited nonpublic schools. It mandates that physically able students in kindergarten through grade five engage in a minimum of thirty minutes of physical activity each school day, in addition to the existing physical education curriculum. The bill clarifies that this physical activity requirement cannot be fulfilled by physical education classes alone and specifies that it does not apply to students who are suspended or expelled.
Furthermore, the bill outlines conditions under which schools may prevent students from participating in the required physical activity. These conditions include situations where the student poses a danger to the health or safety of others, when outdoor activities are relocated due to inclement weather, when classes are dismissed early due to unforeseen circumstances, or when a student is absent from school for reasons such as illness or medical appointments. This legislation aims to ensure that students have consistent opportunities for physical activity while also providing necessary exceptions for safety and logistical reasons.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 256.11