Healthy Recess for Learning Act
Latest action (27 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9952, the Healthy Recess for Learning Act, would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to encourage—but not require—school districts to provide students with at least 60 minutes of physical activity per school day, combining recess, unstructured play, and physical education class time. It adds this goal as an optional element that local educational agencies may address in their Title I plans, makes recess and unstructured physical activity an eligible use of federal "Safe and Healthy Students" grant funds, and adds a new section to federal education law describing the 60-minute physical activity encouragement and defining what counts toward it.
The bill primarily affects local educational agencies (school districts) that receive Title I or related federal education funding, as well as elementary and secondary school students. Because the language is encouraging rather than mandatory, districts would not be required to adopt the 60-minute standard, but those that choose to could describe such plans in required federal filings and could use certain existing federal grant funds to support recess or physical activity programs.
The bill was introduced on July 27, 2026, by Rep. Tom Barrett with Rep. Kim Schrier as a cosponsor, and has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. As an introduced bill, it would need to be considered and approved by that committee, then by the full House and Senate, and signed by the President before becoming law. No further action has yet occurred.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 27, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9952 do?
- H.R. 9952, the Healthy Recess for Learning Act, would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to encourage—but not require—school districts to provide students with at least 60 minutes of physical activity per school day, combining recess, unstructured play, and physical education class time. It adds this goal as an optional element that local educational agencies may address in their Title I plans, makes recess and unstructured physical activity an eligible use of federal "Safe and Healthy Students" grant funds, and adds a new section to federal education law describing the 60-minute physical activity encouragement and defining what counts toward it. The bill primarily affects local educational agencies (school districts) that receive Title I or related federal education funding, as well as elementary and secondary school students. Because the language is encouraging rather than mandatory, districts would not be required to adopt the 60-minute standard, but those that choose to could describe such plans in required federal filings and could use certain existing federal grant funds to support recess or physical activity programs. The bill was introduced on July 27, 2026, by Rep. Tom Barrett with Rep. Kim Schrier as a cosponsor, and has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. As an introduced bill, it would need to be considered and approved by that committee, then by the full House and Senate, and signed by the President before becoming law. No further action has yet occurred.
- Has H.R. 9952 become law?
- Not yet. As of 27 Jul 2026, H.R. 9952 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9952?
- H.R. 9952 was sponsored by Rep. Tom Barrett [R-MI7] (Republican-MI), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9952?
- Introduced (27 Jul 2026).
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