BILL NUMBER: S8377A
SPONSOR: MAYER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to directing the commissioner of education to conduct
a survey of recess held in schools serving students in kindergarten
through grade six
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To require the State Education Department to survey public and charter
schools about their kindergarten practices for grades R-6.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 requires the commissioner of education to conduct a study of
recess held in charter and public schools serving children in kindergar-
ten through grade six. This study will include collecting data on how
many schools offer recess, its frequency and duration, and whether it
occurs indoors or outdoors, whether dedicated spaces are provided, if
recess is supervised, the challenges schools face in offering recess,
whether it includes structured or unstructured play, and how many
schools have a nurse on premises during the school day in each school
building.
Section 2 requires the Commissioner on or before March 1, 2026, or 180
days after the bill is signed into law, whichever is later, to report on
their findings to the Legislature and Governor.
Section 3 sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Recess plays a vital role in the physical, emotional, and social devel-
opment of children, yet its implementation varies widely across schools.
Directing the commissioner of education to conduct a comprehensive study
of recess from kindergarten through sixth grade is essential for gather-
ing critical data on current practices. Understanding how often recess
is offered, its duration, location, supervision, and structure will help
identify disparities and barriers that may hinder student access to this
important break in the school day. By analyzing this information, the
state can develop informed policies that promote equitable, health-fo-
cused, and developmentally appropriate recess opportunities for all
elementary students.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.