RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. — Starting July 1, 2025, Rutherford County Schools will adopt a new state mandate requiring all elementary students to receive 40 minutes of physical activity each school day. The change stems from legislation passed this spring by the Tennessee General Assembly, raising the previous minimum of 130 minutes per week to a daily requirement.

Senate Bill 158, introduced by Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald) and Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka), received overwhelming bipartisan support—passing the House 95–0 and the Senate 28–1. Governor Bill Lee signed the bill into law in early May, with its provisions taking effect at the beginning of the 2025–26 school year.

Under the new law, physical activity includes walking, jumping rope, playing sports, or other forms of fitness-promoting movement. However, the 40 minutes must be separate from time spent in physical education classes, walking between classrooms, or any activity involving screen time. Schools are also prohibited from using the time as disciplinary leverage; students cannot be punished by having recess withheld.

The Tennessee Department of Education has endorsed the change as a move toward improving student focus, mental wellness, and academic engagement. Rutherford County school administrators are currently working with principals to revise daily schedules under the law. A district representative confirmed that updates will be communicated to families before the new school year begins.

Local parents have expressed support for the change. “Kids need time to move and just be kids,” said Lisa Tran, a Murfreesboro parent of two elementary students. “Balancing classroom time with outdoor play is crucial for their well-being.”

The law’s requirements apply only to elementary schools. Middle and high school students will continue under existing guidelines mandating 90 minutes of physical activity per week.

As the July 1 deadline approaches, Rutherford County Schools are expected to finalize and publish new recess schedules, ensuring compliance while promoting healthy student development.