Bill lengthening recess time for elementary school students signed into law

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — On May 28, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill into law that will lengthen elementary school recess from 15 minutes to 40 minutes.

State Representative Scott Cepricky sponsored House Bill 0085, which mandates a 40-minute recess per day. With weather exceptions, unstructured physical activity and physical education for elementary school students is a new requirement. Both of which would prohibit students from using electronic devices during this time.

After Governor Lee signed the bill into law, Cepicky stated that, “This new law will promote a more balanced and productive school day by ensuring elementary students have adequate time for physical activity. 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.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that an elongated recess includes many benefits, such as enhanced memory, attention span, concentration, social and emotional development, as well as reduced disruptive classroom behavior.

In a time of excessive screentime consumption, the CDC believes increased recess time is a necessary step for helping children learn and function more effectively.

The bill will take effect on July 1, in time for the 2025-26 academic year.

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