SB 1596 · 2026 session
Became lawPlay-based learning
Directs the State Board of Education to allow play-based learning to be considered instructional time for students in kindergarten through grade five.
Where it stands
Oregon Laws 2026, chapter 27.
Effective January 1, 2027.
Last action, March 17, 2026: Effective date, January 1, 2027.
What it does
Allows learning by playing to count towards time required by the State Board of Education.
Full legislative summary
Directs the State Board of Education to allow play-based learning to be considered instructional time for students in kindergarten through grade five.
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
Effective date, January 1, 2027.
· Senate
Chapter 27, 2026 Laws.
· Senate
Governor signed.
· House
Speaker signed.
· Senate
President signed.
· House
Third reading. Carried by Fragala. Passed.
· House
Second reading.
· House
Recommendation: Do pass.
· House
Work Session held.
· House
Public Hearing held.
· House
Referred to Education.
· House
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
· Senate
Third reading. Carried by Weber. Passed.
· Senate
Carried over to 02-19 by virtue of adjournment.
· Senate
Carried over to 02-18 by unanimous consent.
· Senate
Second reading.
· Senate
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments. (Printed A-Eng.)
· Senate
Work Session held.
· Senate
Public Hearing held.
· Senate
Referred to Education.
· Senate
Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.