Minneslate Logo

SF3014 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Recess detention modification

Related bill: HF2893

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to modify how recess detention is used in Minnesota schools. It aims to limit the situations in which recess can be withheld as a form of discipline and ensure that any such actions are documented and communicated appropriately.

Main Provisions

  • Definition of Recess Detention: Recess detention refers to excluding or delaying a student from recess as a consequence for behavior. It allows for alternative recess choices initiated by the student.

  • Conditions for Using Recess Detention:

    • Recess detention can only be applied if a student poses a significant threat of causing serious physical harm to others.
    • The student's parent or guardian must be informed promptly and give consent.
    • For students with special education needs, the decision to withhold recess must be approved by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) team based on the student's needs.

  • Restrictions on Withholding Recess:

    • Schools cannot withhold recess due to incomplete schoolwork unless the lost recess time is used for academic intervention.
    • Schools must avoid delaying or withholding mealtime under any circumstances.

  • Parent Notification:

    • Schools must make a reasonable effort to notify a parent or guardian within 24 hours if recess detention is used.

  • Data Collection and Public Access:

    • Schools are required to compile data on recess detentions, detailing information such as students' age, grade, gender, race or ethnicity, and special education status. This data must be available to the public upon request.

  • Focus on Nonexclusionary Discipline:

    • Schools are encouraged to use gathered data to develop professional training aimed at promoting nonexclusionary discipline methods.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill specifically restricts schools from using recess detention as a common disciplinary measure, tying its use to specific scenarios involving physical harm threats. It requires parental notification and data collection, making the process transparent and aimed at reducing exclusionary discipline practices.

Relevant Terms

  • Recess detention
  • Exclusionary discipline
  • Nonexclusionary discipline
  • Special education
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP)
  • Parent notification
  • Academic intervention

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Conditions under which recess detention can be applied, including parental consent and special education considerations.",
        "Requirement for schools to compile data on recess detentions."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies the conditions under which recess detention can be applied in schools as outlined in section 121A.611.",
      "modified": [
        "Encouragement for using evidence-based approaches to reduce exclusionary discipline.",
        "Clarification that meal times cannot be delayed or withheld."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "121A.611",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References existing district or school responsibilities regarding mealtimes.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "124D.111",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors