NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, to increase recess time for Tennessee students has been signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee. Public Chapter 306 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 […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, to increase recess time for Tennessee students has been signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee.
Public Chapter 306 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.
“Tennessee Republicans are committed to improving academic outcomes with innovative solutions. This new law will promote a more balanced and productive school day by ensuring elementary students have adequate time for physical activity,” said Cepicky. “Recess is an integral period that improves behavioral health, enhances social and emotional skills and helps children stay on task in the classroom. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for unanimously supporting this measure and I thank Gov. Bill Lee for signing it into law.”
Recess under the new law 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. Public Chapter 306 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.
Public Chapter 306 will take effect July 1, 2025, to be implemented in the 2025-26 academic year.
State Rep. Scott Cepicky of Culleoka represents District 64 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Maury County. He is chairman of the House Education Instruction Subcommittee.