Bill

HB 455

86(R) - 2019
House Public Education
Senate Education
House Public Education
Senate Education

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Alma A. Allen
Michelle Beckley
Rhetta Andrews Bowers
Philip Cortez
James Talarico

Sponsor(s)

Kirk Watson

Bill Caption

Relating to policies on the recess period in public schools. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 455 would require the Department of State Health Services School Health Advisory Committee to develop models of policies on recess that would encourage constructive and age appropriate playtime. These policies must include facilities and equipment to maximize the effectiveness of outdoor physical activity. The bill would require school boards are to adopt their own recess policies based on the TEA's model policies and recommendations and review it every five years. 

Current law requires that schools must provide at least 30 minutes of recess every school day for grades below 6th, or 135 minutes in a week if a daily recess period is impractical.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on HB 455. This bill tries to address a concern for many local school districts that do not have a policy for recess. HB 455 would require school districts to adopt their own recess policy and review it every 5 years. While this does appear to be another state-level regulation for local schools, school districts should be at liberty to adopt a policy that fits best for them and would be answerable to parents that elect the local school boards. With that in mind, Texas Action remains neutral. 

Organizations Supporting

League of Women Voters of Texas
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Texas
Texas Appleseed
 National Association of Social Workers/Texas