House Bill No. 1493, known as the "Growing Minds, Active Kids Act," aims to enhance the physical and mental well-being of students in Oklahoma by mandating daily recess in schools. The bill requires school districts to provide at least thirty minutes of daily recess for students in full-day prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades one through five, while recommending the same for grades six through eight. The recess is intended to be a time for unstructured play and physical activity, which is recognized as essential for improving focus, reducing stress, and fostering social skills among children. The bill also specifies that recess should occur outside unless conditions necessitate it being indoors and that it must comply with the individualized education programs for students with disabilities.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that virtual charter schools are exempt from these requirements. The act emphasizes the importance of recess as a necessary break from academic work, supporting overall physical health and enhancing students' ability to learn effectively. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.