Healthy Recess for Learning Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 27, 2026
Bottom line
The Healthy Access for Learning Act aims to combat childhood inactivity and obesity by encouraging, but not mandating, daily physical activity in schools and making related programs eligible for federal funding.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to encourage local educational agencies (LEAs) to provide elementary and secondary school students with at least 60 minutes of physical activity time each school day. It adds this encouragement as an optional inclusion in LEA plans and makes programs providing daily recess or unstructured physical activity an allowable use of funds under Title IV, Part A of ESEA.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill addresses critical public health concerns by promoting physical activity, which is essential for children's physical and mental well-being. They cite CDC recommendations and studies showing that regular exercise improves academic performance, attention, and behavior, while reducing obesity and associated health risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The bill provides flexibility to LEAs and leverages existing funding streams.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the goal is laudable, the bill's 'encouragement' rather than mandate may not be sufficient to drive significant change, especially in resource-constrained districts. Some could also express concern that even permissive federal guidance could lead to unfunded mandates or pressure on local school districts to reallocate already stretched resources, potentially impacting instructional time or other educational priorities.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for a thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 3, amending Section 1112(b) of ESEA
Inclusion of Physical Activity in Local Educational Agency Plans
This provision amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to allow local educational agencies (LEAs) to include in their required plans how they will provide elementary and secondary students with at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This is an optional inclusion, to be made 'if determined appropriate by the local educational agency.'
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision provides a framework for LEAs to prioritize student health and well-being within their existing planning processes, without imposing a federal mandate. It allows local control while aligning with public health recommendations.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that making this inclusion optional weakens the bill's potential impact, as LEAs facing other pressures may not prioritize it. They might argue that a stronger directive is needed to effectively address childhood inactivity.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances federal encouragement for a public health goal with local autonomy in educational planning and resource allocation.
Section 4, amending Section 4108(5) of ESEA
Federal Funding Eligibility for Daily Physical Activity Programs
This section amends the ESEA to explicitly include 'programs or activities that provide students with not less than 60 minutes of daily recess or other periods of unstructured physical activity' as an allowable use of funds under Title IV, Part A. This means LEAs can use existing federal grants for these types of programs.
Section 5, adding new Section 8549D to ESEA
Policy Encouragement and Definition of Physical Activity Time
This new section formally encourages each local educational agency receiving Title I, Part A funds to establish a policy providing students with at least 60 minutes of physical activity time daily. It also defines 'physical activity time' to include both designated recess periods and physical education courses.