Governor Signs Bill Increasing Tennessee Elementary Student Recess Times

Image Credit: Say YES to RECESS Tennessee / Instagram

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

Beginning over two years ago as a few concerned moms in Clarksville advocating to get their kids more active, the group now known as the “Recess Moms” is finally seeing the fruits of their labor as Governor Lee signed a bill into law which will increase recess time for elementary students to 40 minutes per day. 

Originally petitioning the Clarksville Montgomery County School Board, the Recess Moms organized efforts and used scientific and research-based evidence of the benefits of increased physical activity, ultimately convincing the Clarksville School Board to increase recess times from 15 or 20 minutes to 30 minutes a day.

Capitalizing on the momentum of their local success, the Recess Moms took their crusade statewide, launching the group “Say Yes To Recess”, which now boasts chapters across multiple states, and working with state lawmakers to craft legislation to benefit kids across Tennessee.

Carried by Representative Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka-District 64) and Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28), HB0085/SB0158 will take the current recess requirements for elementary school students from 15 minutes per day to 40 minutes. Per their research and data, the Recess Moms and bill’s sponsors believe that more physical activity will help children better develop socialization skills, lead to less classroom disruptions, help combat childhood obesity, and even increase academic results.

HB0085 saw unusual bipartisan support, unanimously passing 95-0 in the House and 28-1 in the Senate. The only “No” vote came from Republican Senator Todd Gardenhire (Chattanooga-District 10) who continuously votes against conservative policies and has been criticized for his often-antagonistic behavior.

The Recess Moms were invited to witness the Governor’s signing of the bill where they rejoiced in their victory.

Morgan Garner, one of the Say Yes to Recess members, said, “It’s inspiring, but more than anything, I’m so happy that my kids have witnessed this. It’s more than the minutes to me. It’s the principle that everyone involved recognized this as such a necessary change and rallied behind this idea of more recess.”

Another Recess Mom, Kathryn Truman, believes, “This legislation represents a shift in the overall approach to what we as parents prioritize for our children. A good education is a balanced one and takes into account what the mind and body need as a whole.”

But the Recess Moms aren’t finished yet. With HB0085 enacted, the Say Yes to Recess group is turning their attention to middle schools, and after turning the group into an official nonprofit earlier this year have had 12 other states reach out to discuss starting their own movements.

State Rep. Aron Maberry (R-Clarksville-District 68) also expressed pleasure at the passing of the legislation, praising the moms for all their hard work.

“Years ago, I met with the ‘recess moms’ and laid out a ‘plan’ to pass increased recess locally. I then exclaimed that to get even more time, they should go to the State Legislature. Little did I know that three years ago, I was sending them back to me so that I could co-sponsor the legislation. You put in so much hard work to make this day happen. Great job, ladies!” he wrote in a Facebook post.

“Something that started in little old Montgomery County has sparked into a nationwide movement, and we are so excited to be part of it” Garner proclaimed.

As the new law takes effect on July 1, 2025, elementary students returning for the ’25-26 school year will enjoy more physical activity time thanks to the years-long dedication of the Recess Moms and their supporters.

About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.