MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

House Bill No. 2763

An Act concerning education; relating to elementary and secondary schools; requiring school districts to provide a certain amount of daily recess time for students; prohibiting limiting or withholding recess for disciplinary reasons; requiring the establishment and administration of a Kansas state fitness test; designating up to one hour of recess time as part of the school term; amending K.S.A. 72-3115 and repealing the existing section.

Message to the Legislature of the State of Kansas

I wholeheartedly believe that elementary students need a minimum of 30 minutes recess every school day. Recess contributes to the physical health of children and enhances their ability to learn. I also support implementation of a State Fitness Test to be administered annually, as required for participation in the federal Rural Health Transformation grant program.

The leadership of the State Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education have agreed to begin taking the steps to implement the Fitness Test once federal guidance is provided to states. They will further reaffirm their recommendation that elementary schools provide a minimum of 30 minutes of recess every school day and work with any school districts not currently following their recommendation to facilitate implementation wherever feasible.

I appreciate the State Board of Education’s willingness to use its constitutional authority to modify curriculum requirements mandated in HB 2763.

Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2763.

Laura Kelly, Governor

Dated April 27, 2026.