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HB 85

Local Education Agencies - As enacted, increases, from 130 minutes per full school week to 40 minutes per school day, the minimum amount of physical activity required for elementary school students; establishes additional requirements for the minimum amount of physical activity required for elementary school students. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Scott Cepicky

Tennessee law increases elementary students' mandatory weekly physical activity from 130 minutes to 200 minutes by requiring 40 minutes daily, raising staffing and scheduling demands for school districts.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 306
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Bill Summary · HB 85

Legislative bill overview

HB 85 increases the minimum required physical activity for elementary school students from 130 minutes per full school week to 40 minutes per school day. This effectively increases weekly PE/physical activity requirements from approximately 130 minutes to 200 minutes (40 minutes × 5 days). The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49 governing education standards.

Why is this important

This mandate significantly expands structured physical activity time in schools, potentially addressing childhood obesity and sedentary behavior trends. However, it creates concrete implementation burdens for school districts regarding scheduling, staffing, facilities, and curriculum adjustments during an era of already-stretched education budgets.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource constraints: Schools must find or create 70+ additional minutes of weekly PE time, requiring more PE teachers, facilities, and scheduling flexibility that many districts lack
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's reference to "additional requirements" lacks clarity on what activities qualify as "physical activity" and whether this includes recess, classroom movement, or only structured PE
  • Equity concerns: Rural and under-resourced districts may struggle to comply equally with urban/wealthy districts, potentially creating implementation disparities across the state

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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