Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

HB 2664

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: Eliminating some authority of school districts to exempt students from participation in physical education.

Sponsors: Representatives Cody, Buys, Robinson, Harris, Van Werven, Reykdal, Orwall, Fey, Moeller, Santos, Sells, Appleton, Moscoso, Klippert, S. Hunt, Goodman, Ormsby and McBride.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Removes a provision that allows public school students in grades one through eight to be excused from physical education (PE) instruction because of participation in directed athletics.

  • Removes a provision that allows public school high school students to be excused from participating in PE because of participation in directed athletics, military science and tactics, employment, or for other good cause.

Hearing Date: 2/2/16

Staff: Ashley Fisher (786-7296) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

Washington Physical Education Exemptions.

Public school students in grades one through eight may be excused from receiving instruction in physical education because of physical disability, religious belief, or participation in directed athletics. High school students may be excused from participating in physical education (PE) because of physical disability, religious belief, participation in directed athletics, participation in military science and tactics, employment, or for other good cause

Washington PE Time Requirements.

Public school students in grades one through eight must receive an average of at least 100 instructional minutes per week in physical education, unless excused for reasons of physical disability, religious belief, or participation in directed athletics. Recess cannot be used to meet the required amount of time spent in PE.

Summary of Bill:

Public school students in grades one through eight may not be excused from receiving instruction in PE because of participation in directed athletics.

Public school students in high school may not be excused from participating in PE because of participation in directed athletics, military science and tactics, employment, or for other good cause.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.