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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, First Regular Session
schools; recess; definition
Purpose
Broadens the definition of recess to be a time period during school hours, rather than the regular school day.
Background
Starting August 2, 2019, each school district and charter school must provide at least two recess periods during the school day for pupils in kindergarten through grade five. Recess is defined as a period during the regular school day, including time during a scheduled lunch period, during which a pupil can engage in physical activity or social interaction (A.R.S. § 15-118).
A regular school day is the regularly scheduled class periods intended for instructional purposes which may include: 1) core subjects; 2) elective subjects; 3) lunch; 4) study halls; 5) music instruction; and 6) other classes that advance the academic instruction of pupils. Prohibits instructional purposes to include athletic practices or extracurricular clubs and activities (A.R.S. § 15-901).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Redefines recess as a time period during school hours when a pupil is able to engage in physical activity or social interaction with other pupils, rather than a time period during the regular school day, including time during a scheduled lunch period.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 8, 2019
JO/CP/gs