Committee advances bill to raise elementary recess to 40 minutes daily after public testimony

The House Education full committee on Thursday advanced House Bill 85 to the calendar and rules committee after extended public testimony and member questions. The measure, carried by Representative Supiki, would increase the statutory minimum elementary recess from 15 minutes per day to 40 minutes per day.

The bill drew testimony from teachers, public-health advocates and school-system representatives who described physical, social and academic benefits from additional unstructured play and warned about trade-offs in the school schedule. “Please say yes to recess. It can save lives and improve academics,” said Bob Eby, who identified himself as chairman of the Tennessee State Board of Education but testified as a citizen of Roane County.

Supporters cited academic studies and local pilot programs. Catherine Truman of Say Us to Recess pointed to a 10-year study carried out by Texas Christian University that she said showed gains in test scores and reduced nurse visits after increased activity time, and Morgan Garner, an art teacher and professor at Austin Peay State University, said she compiled “over 60 responses of studies” supporting recess benefits.

Opponents, including Robert Gowen representing the Coalition of Large School Systems and the Tennessee Music Education Association, warned the measure would reduce weekly instructional time and could cut time for interventions, special education services, music and visual arts. Gowen estimated the bill would add about 2 hours and 5 minutes of recess weekly plus travel time to playgrounds and said districts vary in their ability to absorb the lost minutes.

Committee members pressed witnesses on whether the additional recess time would come out of specials (art and music) or core instruction. Bob Eby and Rachel Bush, an elementary teacher and professor, said districts can schedule within the existing school day without removing specials; Eby recited recommended in‑school minute allocations (120 for ELA, 90 for math, 60 for specials) and said modest schedule adjustments could accommodate more recess.

Representative Glenn and others said some districts report they can reach 30 minutes but not 40 minutes without altering other mandated instructional time. Representative Hart described visiting a school already providing 40 minutes and said staff reported lower discipline and higher achievement.

After questions and debate, the committee called the question. The clerk recorded 17 ayes and 1 nay; HB 85 moved to calendar and rules.

The bill’s text and any untimely amendments were handled during the hearing; sponsors indicated they would work with districts on implementation and noted technical assistance from the Department of Education and outside turnaround experts where needed.

If enacted, the bill changes a statutory minimum that supporters say would increase physical activity and emotional regulation for elementary children; opponents urged caution about unintended reductions to instructional or arts time and called for clarity on funding and schedule impacts.