Healthy Recess for Learning Act

This bill aims to address concerning rates of childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles by encouraging increased physical activity in schools. Citing findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the legislation highlights that a significant percentage of American youth are obese or sedentary, and that regular physical activity improves academic performance and reduces health risks. It emphasizes the recommendation for school-aged children to get at least 60 minutes of exercise daily, noting the decline in school recess over recent decades.

To achieve its goals, the bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) in several ways. It encourages local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving Title I funds to establish policies providing elementary and secondary students with at least 60 minutes of physical activity time each school day. Furthermore, the bill expands eligible activities under ESEA to include programs that offer not less than 60 minutes of daily recess or other unstructured physical activity, consistent with students' age and developmental needs. This aims to integrate physical well-being more formally into the educational framework.