TX HB2849

Requires the Department of State Health Services School Health Advisory Committee to develop model recess policies that encourage constructive, age-appropriate outdoor playtime, including guidelines for outdoor equipment and facilities

Mandates each school district board of trustees adopt a recess policy after reviewing the state model policies and local school health advisory council recommendations

Requires district recess policies to specify the required number of minutes of weekly unstructured playtime and whether recess may be withheld as a form of discipline

School districts must review and revise their recess policies at least every five years

Implementation timeline: model policies due by January 1, 2026; district policies adopted by May 1, 2026; campus implementation by the 2026-2027 school year