NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General Assembly today approved legislation sponsored by State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, that seeks to improve academic outcomes and student well-being in Tennessee public schools by increasing time for physical activity. House Bill 85 will require school districts to provide at least 40 minutes of recess to elementary students each day, […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General Assembly today approved legislation sponsored by State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, that seeks to improve academic outcomes and student well-being in Tennessee public schools by increasing time for physical activity.
House Bill 85 will require school districts to provide at least 40 minutes of recess to elementary students each day, an increase from the current mandate of a minimum of 15 minutes per day and 130 minutes a week.
“Republicans are working hard to ensure Tennessee students receive the highest quality education in the nation, and providing adequate time for physical activity is essential to delivering on this priority,” Cepicky said. “The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that increasing access to unstructured, screen-free recess improves academic outcomes, physical health and mental well-being. This common-sense legislation is an important step in giving children in the Volunteer State a more balanced and productive school day.”
Recess under Cepicky’s legislation includes unstructured outdoor play for students, with an exception for dangerous weather. It does not include physical education courses or time when students are permitted to use electronic devices. House Bill 85 prohibits withholding physical activity as a form of punishment for students.
More than 40% of Tennessee students were overweight or obese in the 2022-23 academic year, according to a report from the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Department of Education.
Expanding recess time improves a student’s physical health, academic performance and behavior. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that recess can enhance memory, attention span, concentration, and social and emotional development. Access to recess can also reduce disruptive classroom behavior.
House Bill 85 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk. If signed into law, it will take effect July 1, 2025, to be implemented in the 2025-26 academic year.
State Rep. Scott Cepicky of Culleoka represents House District 64, which includes part of Maury County. He is chairman of the House Education Instruction Subcommittee.