| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Education Committee | |
HB 3247
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Requiring recess time for public school students in grades kindergarten through six.
Sponsors: Representatives Quall, Dunshee, Chase, Dunn, Roberts and Santos.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/21/08
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).
Background:
There are no recess requirements specified in statute or rule. One of the powers and duties of the
Superintendent of Public Instruction is to promote the adoption of school-based curricula and
policies that provide quality, daily physical education for all students, and to encourage policies
that provide all students with opportunities for physical activity outside of formal physical
education classes.
Physical education (PE) requirements are set by rule by the Office of the Superintendent of
Public Instruction (OSPI). In grades one through eight, students must receive an average of 100
instructional minutes of PE per week. As stated in statute adopted in 2007, it is the goal of the
state to ensure that, by 2010, all students in grades one through eight have at least 150 minutes of
quality PE every week.
Summary of Bill:
All public schools, without exception, must provide at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted recess
each day for students in grades kindergarten through six. "Recess" is defined as "a time period
during which students are not obligated to remain in the regular classroom and opportunities for
physical activity are provided."
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: This bill takes effect on September 1, 2008.