AR SB172

Requires at least 40 minutes of instructional time per school day for recess in public elementary schools, consisting of supervised, unstructured social time that occurs outdoors when weather permits.

Recess must include opportunities for free play and vigorous physical activity, whether indoors or outdoors, and the remaining instructional hours shall be distributed across academic content areas as determined by the school district's board of directors.

Allows public school principals to adjust recess time due to special circumstances and permits elementary schools to seek waivers if they submit an alternative plan exceeding the minimum combined minutes for physical activity and recess or operate as a virtual school.

Increases physical activity requirements for kindergarten through grade six students from 90 minutes to 140 minutes per calendar week, which may count toward instructional time and can include daily recess, physical education instruction, or intramural sports.

Adds a requirement of 20 minutes of recess each school day for K-6 students, with specifications that recess consist of supervised unstructured social time occurring outdoors when weather permits and including free play and vigorous physical activity.