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Senate panel advances measure allowing play‑based learning to count as instructional time
Summary
The committee approved a dash‑1 amendment to SB 15‑96 that removes the bill's definition of 'recess' and moved the bill to the floor with a 'do pass' recommendation; sponsors said the change keeps recess separate while allowing districts to count in‑class play‑based activities as instructional time if they choose.
The Senate Education Committee approved a dash‑1 amendment to SB 15‑96 and advanced the bill to the Senate floor with a 'do pass' recommendation. Committee staff summarized the bill as directing the State Board of Education to allow play‑based learning to be considered instructional time for elementary school students; the dash‑1 amendment removes a proposed statutory definition of "recess."
Committee members asked whether the bill would treat recess as instructional time; the chair and sponsor clarified the bill does not change recess and is meant to allow classroom, curriculum‑aligned, play‑based activities to count as instructional minutes. Several senators expressed concern about adding paperwork for districts but supported the measure as voluntary rather than mandatory for local districts.
The panel approved the amendment and then advanced SB 15‑96 as amended to the floor with no recorded objections.
