Requires a period of unstructured physical play for pupils enrolled in kindergarten and grades one through five

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Ryan and 3 co-sponsors

Requires schools to provide unstructured play time for kindergarten through 5th grade, affecting scheduling, supervision, and resources for districts, staff, and families.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

Overview

S 6249 is a bill introduced on March 7, 2025, and currently referred to the Education committee. The measure would require schools to provide a period of unstructured physical play for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The primary sponsor is James Skoufis, with cosponsors Christopher Ryan, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and James Tedisco. A related bill from a prior session is S 6256.

Purpose and intent

The central aim of S 6249 is to ensure that young students have a dedicated time for unstructured physical activity during the school day.

“Unstructured physical play” indicates child-directed, voluntary activity as opposed to teacher-led or structured physical education activities. The bill’s text would specify the exact meaning and any definitional details.

Key provisions (as described by the bill’s status and title)

Mandate: Schools would be required to provide a period of unstructured physical play for all students enrolled in kindergarten through Grade 5.

Scheduling and cadence: The bill would set forth how often this period occurs (e.g., daily or on certain days) and its placement within the school day. Specific duration and timing would be defined in the final legislative text.

Supervision and safety: Provisions are expected to address supervision requirements and safety standards during unstructured play.

Compliance and reporting: The bill may establish reporting or compliance mechanisms for districts to demonstrate implementation.

Scope: The measure would apply to all eligible pupils in K-5 within the jurisdictions covered by the bill.

Note: Because the full text is not provided here, the above reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical areas such mandates address. The final bill would specify detailed requirements, exemptions, and administrative processes.

Who would be affected

Students: Kindergartners through fifth graders would receive the unstructured play period.

School districts and facilities: Implementation would require scheduling adjustments, space allocation, and potentially equipment and supervision resources.

Educators and staff: Teachers, aides, and administrators would implement and supervise the play period according to the bill’s requirements.

Families: Parents may see changes in school routines and potential benefits to students’ physical and social-emotional development.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced March 7, 2025; referred to Education (listed twice in the record).

Next steps: If the Education Committee advances the bill, it would proceed to further floor consideration, potential amendments, and votes. A final enactment would typically require passage in both legislative chambers and an assignment for signature or veto by the appropriate authority.

Related legislation: S 6256 from a prior session may have related objectives or serve as a companion measure.

Sponsor information

Primary: James Skoufis

Cosponsors: Christopher Ryan, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, James Tedisco

This summary aims to distill the bill’s core purpose and potential impact based on the available information. For precise requirements, definitions, and timelines, the full bill text and committee amendments should be consulted once released.

Bill