H.B. No. 2849 aims to establish new policies regarding recess periods in public schools in Texas. The bill introduces two new sections to the Education Code: Section 28.0045, which mandates the Department of State Health Services School Health Advisory Committee to develop model recess policies that promote constructive and age-appropriate outdoor playtime, and Section 28.0046, which requires each school district's board of trustees to adopt a recess policy based on these model policies and local health advisory recommendations. The recess policy must specify the required number of minutes for unstructured playtime and whether recess can be withheld as a form of discipline.

The bill sets deadlines for implementation, requiring the model policies to be developed by January 1, 2026, and mandates that each school district adopt their recess policy by May 1, 2026. Furthermore, by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, all school district campuses must implement the adopted recess policies. This legislation is designed to enhance the quality of recess in public schools, ensuring that students have adequate opportunities for physical activity and play during the school day. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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