Advocates press committee for statutory right to 45–60 minutes of daily recess; principals warn about staffing and scheduling

Representative Angie Murray (prime sponsor) told the committee HB 1507 would guarantee 45–60 minutes of unstructured daily recess for elementary students and allow local districts to determine how to schedule that time. She cited research from the American Academy of Pediatrics and argued recess supports cognitive, social and physical development.

Public testimony was extensive and largely supportive: Say Yes to Recess founders and parents urged statutory protection and offered implementation resources; school leaders such as Dan Mitchell and Paul Dutton said recess is valuable but recommended local flexibility. A principal described current practice in his building as 30 minutes and told the committee adding time "would be give and take" with instructional minutes. An executive from Playworks described cases where increased recess improved focus for individual students.

Key operational concerns raised by administrators included adult supervision needs, winter‑time logistics, space and equipment, possible conflict with contractual educator duties, and whether the time would count as instructional minutes under ED 306. Several witnesses suggested a waiver mechanism and technical advisory support for districts rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all mandate. No vote was taken; the committee instituted a three‑minute testimony rule for subsequent witnesses.

Representative Murray closed the public‑comment phase and said she would work with stakeholders on an amendment to clarify instructional‑time accounting and local implementation.