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An Act To Require the Provision of Unstructured Recess Time for Elementary School Students
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  20-A MRSA §4712  is enacted to read:
§ 4712. Daily physical activity
 
1.  Requirement.   Beginning in the 2008-2009 school year, each elementary school shall provide daily physical activity for its students. The physical activity must be consistent with the curriculum and programs developed under section 4711 and may include the use of recess. On a day when there is inclement weather or unplanned circumstances have shortened the school day, the school may provide physical activity alternatives or elect not to provide physical activity.
 
2.  Exception.   The requirements of subsection 1 do not apply to a student who has a medical condition that precludes participation in the daily physical activity required under subsection 1.
 
SUMMARY
This bill requires that each elementary school shall provide daily physical activity for its students, which may include the use of recess.
Sec. 1.  20-A MRSA §4712  is enacted to read:
§ 4712. Daily physical activity
 
1.  Requirement.   Beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, each elementary school shall provide 2 periods of unstructured recess time daily. On a day when there is inclement weather or unplanned circumstances have shortened the school day, the school may elect not to provide for unstructured recess.
 
2.  Exception.   A student who has a medical condition that precludes participation in the unstructured recess required under subsection 1 is exempt from participating in unstructured recess.
 
SUMMARY
This bill requires that each elementary school provide for 2 periods of unstructured recess time daily.