Politics
Politics

Bill would mandate kids get daily recess

Settles Bridge Elementary in Suwanee held a ribbon cutting ceremony for new playground equipment at the school.

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

Settles Bridge Elementary in Suwanee held a ribbon cutting ceremony for new playground equipment at the school.
By Aaron Gould Sheinin
Feb 8, 2017

Rep. Demetrius Douglas might be Georgia children's favorite lawmaker.

The Stockbridge Democrat on Wednesday filed legislation that would require schools in Georgia to offer at least 30 minutes of “supervised, unstructured activity time,” a day for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

House Bill 273 says that recess should be outside if possible and that taking away recess cannot be used to punish students.

The bill has bipartisan support, including Democrats Rep. Stacey Evans, D-Smrya, and Spencer Frye of Athens, and Republican Reps. Ed Setzler of Acworth, and Brian Strickland of McDonough.

This is not Douglas' first attempt at getting schools to offer daily recess. In 2016 he sponsored a resolution urging schools to do so. That resolution, which does not carry the power of law, passed easily.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will again have Georgia’s largest team covering the Legislature. Get complete daily coverage during the legislative session at myAJC.com/georgialegislature.

Related
Placeholder Image
VIDEO: Legislative 101 - What’s the fate of various education bills in Georgia?

About the Author

Aaron Gould Sheinin
More Stories

Keep Reading

A Fulton County commissioner said he had a responsibility to oppose the Republican Party's nominees: Julie Adams (left), who voted against certifying last year's primary election, and Jason Frazier, who has challenged the eligibility of thousands of voter registrations. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2023)

Credit: Arvin Temkar

Republicans push for election skeptics to oversee Atlanta-area voting

The Republican Party is pushing for voter challengers and election skeptics to take over seats on election boards in Fulton and DeKalb counties in Georgia.

Fentanyl, IVF and China: Some of the Georgia laws that begin Tuesday

New Georgia laws taking effect July 1 include new penalties for fentanyl possession, protections for in vitro fertilization, protectionist moves against China and more.

‘Nothing fancy. Just love’: Former Gov. Nathan Deal remarries in intimate ceremony

After losing their longtime partners, Former Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Brenda Micali found love again — and sealed it with a rope in an intimate wedding.

The Latest

Among the laws the Georgia State Assembly passed that become law July 1 are codifying protections for in vitro fertilization access. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke/AP 2024)

Credit: AP

Fentanyl, IVF and China: Some of the Georgia laws that begin Tuesday

‘Nothing fancy. Just love’: Former Gov. Nathan Deal remarries in intimate ceremony

New Georgia laws affect transgender rights, IVF and underage access to porn

Featured

People carrying a giant pride flag participate in the annual Pride Parade in Atlanta on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Corporate pullback from LGBTQ groups leaves Atlanta organizations in the lurch

Some Atlanta LGBTQ groups are reevaluating their programming and staffing in light of the reduced support.

Atlanta mayor: Property tax hike needed to keep up with population growth

Andre Dickens said a property tax hike is almost unavoidable, as Atlanta’s leaders work to keep up with population growth that brings increased demand for city services.

GDOT’s roadside helpers return to 24/7 service

The highway helpers who patrol metro Atlanta’s interstates will return to 24/7 service on Tuesday, just in time for the busy holiday weekend.