Division endorses draft requiring Presidential Physical Fitness test in K–12 PE

The Rural Health Transformation division recommended forwarding LC 25.1383, a draft bill that would require physical education instruction in North Dakota public schools to include participation in the Presidential Physical Fitness test.

Beth Dittis, legislative counsel, described the draft (LC 25.1383.10.00) as a special-session bill that adds the fitness-test requirement to existing code sections and includes the necessary effective date clause for special-session drafts. "This is a bill relating to requiring the presidential physical fitness test and physical education courses in elementary, middle, and high schools," Dittis said.

Senator Hovind asked whether the Department of Public Instruction had reviewed the draft. Staff said they had not received formal written feedback; one staffer noted informal discussions with Levi Bachmeier and that many schools support increased physical activity while also flagging implementation burdens. Members requested outreach to DPI and school administrators so the full committee and the standing committee in the special session could hear stakeholder views.

The division recorded a voice motion recommending the draft for consideration; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The division’s action is a recommendation to the full committee and not a final enactment. Public testimony and any amendments will be taken during the special session standing committee public hearing if the full committee schedules it there.

Next steps: the division asked staff to attempt to secure DPI and school-system feedback before the special session and noted that witnesses will be able to testify during the special-session hearings.