Texas HB2849 mandates the development of model recess policies and requires school districts to adopt and implement recess policies.

Texas HB2849 establishes a framework for recess policies in public schools. The Department of State Health Services School Health Advisory Committee must develop model recess policies by January 1, 2026. These policies should encourage age-appropriate outdoor playtime and include guidelines for outdoor equipment and facilities. Each school district's board of trustees must adopt a recess policy based on these models by May 1, 2026. The adopted policies must specify the required weekly unstructured playtime and whether recess can be withheld as discipline.

Texas HB2849 mandates the development of model recess policies and requires school districts to adopt and implement recess policies.

Texas HB2849 establishes a framework for recess policies in public schools. The Department of State Health Services School Health Advisory Committee must develop model recess policies by January 1, 2026. These policies should encourage age-appropriate outdoor playtime and include guidelines for outdoor equipment and facilities. Each school district's board of trustees must adopt a recess policy based on these models by May 1, 2026. The adopted policies must specify the required weekly unstructured playtime and whether recess can be withheld as discipline.