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1 New Section; Required Recess Time. Amend RSA 194 by inserting after section 15-c the following new section:
194:15-d Recess Time Requirement. All public school districts, school administrative units, and charter school boards shall develop a policy which establishes at a minimum, a guaranteed amount of recess time per day of 45 to 60 minutes for students in grade levels kindergarten through sixth grade. All public school districts, school administrative units, and charter school boards may develop a policy which exceeds the guaranteed amount of recess time per day of 45 to 60 minutes for students in grade levels kindergarten through sixth grade.
I. Definitions. For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Recess" shall be defined as physical activity that promotes fitness and well-being which must include unstructured peer to peer play outside, unless weather conditions negatively impact the safety of physical activity taking place outside.
(b) "Recess" shall not involve the use of electronic devices by students unless required by a student's individualized education program (IEP) or section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
II. Required recess time shall be in addition to physical education requirements and considered separate instructional time not to be deducted from any other instructional time or lunch time during school hours. Recess time shall also not be deducted or withheld as a means of punishment.
III. Public school districts, school administrative units, and charter school boards may shorten or alter the amount of recess time required per day on an individual basis due to exigent special circumstances, school assemblies or events, or weather conditions.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.
Text to be added highlighted in green.
1 New Section; Required Recess Time. Amend RSA 194 by inserting after section 15-c the following new section:
194:15-d Recess Time Requirement. All public school districts, school administrative units, and charter school boards shall develop a policy which establishes at a minimum, a guaranteed amount of recess time per day of 45 to 60 minutes for students in grade levels kindergarten through sixth grade. All public school districts, school administrative units, and charter school boards may develop a policy which exceeds the guaranteed amount of recess time per day of 45 to 60 minutes for students in grade levels kindergarten through sixth grade.
I. Definitions. For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Recess" shall be defined as physical activity that promotes fitness and well-being which must include unstructured peer to peer play outside, unless weather conditions negatively impact the safety of physical activity taking place outside.
(b) "Recess" shall not involve the use of electronic devices by students unless required by a student's individualized education program (IEP) or section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
II. Required recess time shall be in addition to physical education requirements and considered separate instructional time not to be deducted from any other instructional time or lunch time during school hours. Recess time shall also not be deducted or withheld as a means of punishment.
III. Public school districts, school administrative units, and charter school boards may shorten or alter the amount of recess time required per day on an individual basis due to exigent special circumstances, school assemblies or events, or weather conditions.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.