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Subcommittee continues recess bill to 2027, asks School Health Services Committee for study
Summary
A substitute to set a goal of roughly 30 minutes a day of recess/physical activity and to prohibit withholding recess as discipline (except for safety reasons) was continued to 2027 with a letter to the School Health Services Committee for further study.
Delegate Kent introduced a substitute for HB873 setting a goal of 30 minutes of recess/day (or an average of 115 minutes per week) and adding language preventing withholding of recess or physical activity time as disciplinary punishment unless it would create a health or safety risk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (Virginia chapter) supported the measure as "crucial" for child development; the Virginia Education Association and Richmond City Public Schools noted they already practice similar policies. Testimony from parents and advocates stressed that withholding recess can harm children, especially those with attention or developmental challenges.
Given the policy complexity and the potential overlap with other bills and school health practices, the committee voted to continue HB873 to 2027 and to send a letter to the School Health Services Committee for a focused review.
What’s next: The matter will be studied further by the School Health Services Committee; delegates asked staff to draft the letter and the subcommittee will revisit the policy next session.
