House panel approves bill to raise elementary recess to 40 minutes a day

The Tennessee House Education Committee voted to advance House Bill 85, which would change the statutory minimum for elementary school recess from 15 minutes per day (130 minutes per week) to 40 minutes per day.

Supporters framed the measure as a public-health and learning readiness step. Robert Eby, who identified himself as the chairman of the State Board of Education but said he was addressing the committee as a citizen, told lawmakers that lifelong activity habits begin early and argued the change could reduce obesity and improve academic performance. "Please say yes to recess. It can save lives and improve academics," Eby said.

Advocates from nonprofit groups also testified. Catherine Truman of Say Yes to Recess cited a 10-year study (the LINC project at Texas Christian University) and told the committee that increased activity reduced classroom redirection and improved test scores, attendance and health metrics. Morgan Garner, who said she is a professor at Austin Peay State University, and Rachel Bush, another supporter, pointed to multiple studies they said link recess to social skills, emotional regulation and better academic outcomes.

Opponents, including attorney Robert Gowen representing the Coalition of Large School Systems and the Tennessee Music Education Association, warned the committee that mandating 40 minutes would remove nearly three hours a week of instructional time when travel and transition time are included. Gowen said districts already face schedules that prioritize required reading and math blocks and that lost instructional time could reduce interventions for struggling students and cut time for music and arts. "We recognize the benefits of physical activity... however, it's important to remember that not all of this activity needs to take place during school hours," Gowen said.

Committee members pressed supporters on whether the new recess time would come at the expense of arts, music and other instructional blocks. Witnesses and committee members described district scheduling differences: some districts have reported making 30-minute recess schedules work; a small number of schools, committee members said, already provide 40 minutes. Witnesses said teachers typically recover instructional minutes because children require less redirection after active breaks.

After debate, the committee voted to move HB85 forward. The clerk reported 17 ayes and 1 nay on the question, and the bill was sent to the calendar and rules process.

The committee chair said members had been asked to keep questions concise and noted the committee planned to reconvene the following day to continue its calendar.

Votes at a glance: HB85—motion to advance; tally reported as 17 ayes, 1 nay; outcome: approved out of committee.