Oregon committee hears bills to guarantee daily recess and fund after-school activities at Title I schools

Chair Frederick opened a public hearing March 26 on two related measures from Senator Gorsuch: Senate Bill 11‑26 would require public elementary schools to provide at least 30 minutes of recess each school day and prohibit withholding recess or imposing physical activity as a form of discipline. Senate Bill 11‑27 would appropriate $500,000 from the Statewide Educational Initiatives account to fund educational activities during recess, lunch and after school at Title I elementary schools and declares an emergency to take effect July 1, 2025.

Alexandria Goddard, legislative director for Senator Gorsuch, told the committee, “SB 11‑26 … ensure[s] that all public elementary school students in Oregon receive at least 30 minutes of recess each school day. This legislation also prohibits the withholding of recess or the imposition of physical activity as a form of discipline.” She said the bills aim to support student health, learning and equity and to expand structured…