SB 948 · 2025 session
Did not passPlay-based education
Authorizes district school boards to provide for play-based learning during the instructional time of each regular school day for all students who are enrolled in prekindergarten through grade five in the school district.
Where it stands
Last action, June 27, 2025: In committee upon adjournment.
What it does
The Act would give school boards power to allow play-based learning in preschool through grade 5.
Full legislative summary
Authorizes district school boards to provide for play-based learning during the instructional time of each regular school day for all students who are enrolled in prekindergarten through grade five in the school district.
Directs the Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Early Learning and Care and the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, to provide professional development opportunities in the pedagogy of play-based learning to child care providers and teachers providing instruction in prekindergarten through grade five in this state.
Already in place in Oregon
- SB 1596(opens in a new tab)2026Law · Starts January 1, 2027Play-based learning will count as instructional time in kindergarten through grade 5. PE and recess don’t count toward it.
Similar laws in other states
- Georgia HB 1283(opens in a new tab)2022Requires daily recess for K-5 public school students, with exceptions such as days with physical education class.
- Washington SB 5257(opens in a new tab)2023Requires at least 30 minutes of daily recess for elementary students and discourages withholding recess as discipline.
- California SB 291(opens in a new tab)2023Requires at least 30 minutes of recess on regular school days and bars withholding it except for immediate safety threats.
- Louisiana HB 121(opens in a new tab)2023Requires at least 15 minutes of supervised, unstructured free play each school day for kindergarten through fifth grade.
- Connecticut HB 6880(opens in a new tab)2023Requires play-based learning in preschool and kindergarten and lets teachers use it in grades 1 through 5.
- Tennessee SB 158(opens in a new tab)2025Raises required physical activity for elementary students to at least 40 minutes per school day, up from 130 minutes per week.
- Oklahoma SB 1481(opens in a new tab)2026Doubles required daily recess for K-5 students to 40 minutes and bars withholding recess as discipline.
- Pennsylvania HB 1505(opens in a new tab)2026Makes daily recess mandatory for kindergarten through fifth grade starting in the 2027-28 school year.
History
· Senate
In committee upon adjournment.
· Senate
Referred to Ways and Means by order of the President.
· Senate
Recommendation: Do Pass and be referred to Ways and Means.
· Senate
Work Session held.
· Senate
Public Hearing held.
· Senate
Referred to Education.
· Senate
Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.