SF 553

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 02/13/2015 09:28am

A bill for an act
relating to education; requiring school districts to adopt a policy on recess
for elementary school students; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section
121A.215.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin PURPOSE.
new text end

new text begin The legislature finds that students at the elementary level must have the opportunity
to participate in daily recess. The legislature also finds that recess provides children with
unstructured time to engage in physical activity that helps to develop healthy minds and
bodies. As childhood obesity rates rise, it is important to ensure that children have the
time for physical activity. Insufficient physical activity and excessive calories consumed is
well-known as a critical factor for this alarming increase in overweight and obese children.
As Minnesota strives to be the healthiest state in the nation, we must continue to encourage
our children to engage in physical activity so they can develop a healthy mind and body.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 121A.215, is amended to read:

121A.215 LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICIES; new text begin RECESS;
new text end WEB SITE.

When available, a school district must post its current local school wellness policy
on its Web site. new text begin A school district must have a policy on the total number of minutes of
recess each day for its students in kindergarten through grade 5.
new text end