Section 1512.2. Recess Periods.--(a) A school entity shall provide at least thirty minutes of recess during each school day in full-day kindergarten through grade five and at least fifteen minutes of recess during each school day in half-day kindergarten, subject to the following:
(1) A school entity may not reduce a student's lunch time in order to provide recess under this section.
(2) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the ability of a school entity or its employes to withhold, in whole or in part, recess as a disciplinary measure for violations of the school entity's code of student conduct established under 22 Pa. Code § 12.3(c) (relating to school rules) or other school entity policies or classroom rules.
(3) A school entity may not reduce instructional time in subjects that are not assessed by a State assessment as defined in section 1502-I in order to provide recess, unless instructional time is also proportionally reduced in subjects assessed by a State assessment.
(4) A school entity may adjust and reduce the amount of recess time required under this section if the starting time or dismissal time of a school day is delayed or adjusted from normal times.
(5) When possible, recess shall be provided outside and shall not involve the use of electronic devices.
(b) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Kindergarten" means a one-year formal educational program that occurs during the school year immediately prior to first grade.
"Recess" means a period of time during the regular school day during which a student is given a break from structured classroom instruction and an opportunity to engage in physical activity, unstructured play or social interaction with other students. The term shall not include lunch time or a period of physical education as provided under section 1512.1.
"School entity" means a school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school or regional charter school.
(1512.2 added July 12, 2026, P.L.220, No.20)