An Act To Promote Physical Activity for Schoolchildren

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §6632  is enacted to read:

§ 6632.  Daily physical activity

Beginning in the 2018-2019 school year, a school administrative unit shall provide at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity for all students in kindergarten to grade 5. For purposes of this section, "physical activity" means unstructured recess, recreational classroom activity or structured physical education. A school administrative unit may not deny a student physical activity as punishment or discipline. A teacher may restrict a student from engaging in physical activity if engaging in physical activity presents a danger to the student or others or if the restriction is consistent with the student's individualized education program. If a student is behaving inappropriately during physical activity, a teacher may provide an alternative physical activity to the student.

summary

This bill requires all school administrative units to provide at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity for all students in kindergarten to grade 5. The bill provides that a teacher may restrict a student from engaging in physical activity if the physical activity presents a danger to the student or others or if the restriction is consistent with the student's individualized education program.