HB 3043-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/14/04)

Acknowledges that many young people are not physically active on a regular basis and that physical activity declines dramatically during adolescence.

Finds that overweight adolescents have a seventy percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults creating additional risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Recognizes that exercise is an essential component of good health and that teaching children the importance of physical fitness and proper nutrition is vital to improving the health of today's youth.

Recognizes that in addition to health benefits, students can experience greater self-esteem, confidence, and discipline, often leading to greater academic achievement as well.

Declares an intent to establish within the common school curriculum a requirement for physical education and fitness instruction and policies most likely to be effective in helping today's youth adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle.

Provides that, by September 1, 2006, within existing resources, each school district board of directors must adopt or amend as necessary a physical education and fitness curriculum for all middle school students.

Provides that, in order to accommodate a schedule of rotating classes or other scheduling needs, a school district's curriculum may provide for a limited degree of flexibility in meeting the daily requirements for physical activity and aerobic activity, so long as the total number of minutes of aerobic activity each week is equal to or greater than twenty minutes per day.