Vetoed by Governor Brian Kemp

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the "Quality Basic Education Act", which requires students in Kindergarten through fifth grade to have recess.

Highlights:

• Requires that beginning in the 2019-2020 school year each elementary school schedule a 30-minute recess, preferably outside, every day of scheduled class for all students in kindergarten through fifth grade (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that a 30-minute recess shall not be required on days when students have physical education or structured activity time or if reasonable circumstances impede such recess such as the following, including (Sec. 1):

• Inclement weather when no indoor space is available;

• Assemblies or field trips exceeding their duration;

• Conflicts occurring at the scheduled scheduled recess time over which the classroom teacher has no control;

• Emergencies or disasters; and

• Acts of god.

• Requires local boards of education establish written policies to ensure the following, including (Sec. 1):

• That recess is a safe experience for students;

• That recess is scheduled so that it provides a break during academic learning; and

• That recess is not withheld for disciplinary or academic reasons.

Full Bill Text