The bill mandates that starting in the 2027-2028 school year, all school districts in Kansas must provide a minimum of 30 minutes of organized recess each school day for students in elementary grades kindergarten through five, specifically removing the previous requirement of 60 minutes of moderate physical activity. Additionally, the bill stipulates that recess cannot be withheld for disciplinary reasons unless a student poses an immediate threat to themselves or others. The definition of "recess" is clarified to mean supervised unstructured play or physical activity, distinct from physical education classes.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a Kansas state physical fitness test to be administered annually to students in grades one through 12, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, with exemptions for students with disabilities or medical conditions. It also amends existing laws regarding the school term, ensuring that organized recess is counted as part of the school term and allowing for the employment of noncertificated personnel to supervise students during noninstructional activities. The bill will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 72-3115
As Amended by Senate Committee: 72-3404, 72-3115
{As Amended by Senate Committee of the Whole}: 72-3115
As Amended by House Committee: 72-3115