LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas
 
FISCAL NOTE, 85TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION
 
April 9, 2017

TO:
Honorable Dan Huberty, Chair, House Committee on Public Education
 
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
 
IN RE:
HB2884 by Allen (Relating to health and physical education requirements in public schools.), As Introduced

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would require students in grades six through eight to participate in 30 minutes of daily physical activity for six semesters during those grade levels. Under existing law, students must participate in daily physical activity in four or more semesters during those grade levels. This change would only apply to students entering sixth grade during the 2017-2018 school year or a later school year.

The bill would require the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to implement policies encouraging outdoor playtime during recess period. The policies would have to include guidelines for outdoor equipment and facilities that maximize the effectiveness of outdoor physical activity.

The bill would reduce the number of elective credits required for the foundation high school program from five to four. The bill would increase the number of physical education credits required from one to one and one-half. The bill would also require high school students to earn one-half credit in health. This change would only apply to students entering ninth grade during the 2017-2018 school year or a later school year.

The bill would take immediate effect if passed with a two-thirds vote in each house of the Legislature. Otherwise it would take effect September 1, 2017.

TEA estimates there would be a minimal cost associated with implementing the provisions of the bill.

Local Government Impact

According to TEA, the bill could result in costs to local school districts. With respect to recess policies and outdoor and gym facilities, local school district costs would vary based to the extent that new TEA rules require changing school district policies or developing additional facilities. With respect to revised course requirements, some school districts could face additional personnel and other costs to accommodate additional enrollment in physical education and health education courses.


Source Agencies:
701 Texas Education Agency
LBB Staff:
UP, THo, AM