relative to play-based curriculum and limitations on recess periods for pupils.

Elementary and middle schools (as defined in RSA 189:25) may now count recess as instructional time for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, giving schools flexibility in scheduling.

A new subsection prohibits the use of electronic devices during recess, specifically listing cell phones, laptops, tablets, and video game consoles or devices.

The original provision that students could not be withheld from recess as punishment or to complete school work was replaced with a narrower rule: staff may deny recess only if the pupil's participation poses an immediate threat to physical safety of the pupil or peers, and must make reasonable efforts to resolve the threat and minimize exclusion.

The bill title changed from 'extending recess...and prohibiting the deprivation of recess time as punishment' to 'relative to play-based curriculum and physical education curriculum,' reflecting the broader scope of the amended bill.