Recess will be required for elementary schools, according to a new law recently signed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. HB 1283 requires Georgia’s public schools to offer recess to students in kindergarten through fifth grade every day, except on days when the student has had physical education and other exceptions.

State Rep. Demetrius Douglas, D-Stockbridge, the bill’s sponsor, worked on the measure for several years and has introduced similar legislation during previous legislative sessions to require public elementary schools to offer recess. The Senate and House approved the 2019 recess bill Douglas backed. Kemp vetoed it, saying then the bill overstepped local control of school boards. The 2019 bill would have required schools to provide 30 minutes of daily recess for elementary students.

HB 1283 requires local school boards to implement a daily recess policy that determines the length, timing and whether recess can be withheld from students for disciplinary or academic reasons.

GNN