Connecticut SB 222: AN ACT PERMITTING SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO OFFER AN EXEMPTION FROM THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION CREDIT REQUIREMENT TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS.

Status: HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 461 (as of 2026-04-16)

State: Connecticut · Session: 2026 · Bill: SB 222

Subjects: Boards of education, High school graduation, Physical education, Students

Sponsors: Eric C. Berthel, Irene M. Haines, Craig C. Fishbein

Bill Text

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General Assembly  
Substitute Bill No. 222  
February Session, 2026 
 
 
 
 
 
AN ACT PERMITTING SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO OFFER AN 
EXEMPTION FROM THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION CREDIT 
REQUIREMENT TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE 
IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS.  
Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in  General 
Assembly convened: 
 
Section  1. Subsection  (f)  of  section  10-221a  of  the  general  statutes  is 1 
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2 
2026): 3 
(f) (1) Any  student  who  presents  a  certificate  from  a  physician, 4 
physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse stating that, in 5 
the  opinion  of  the  physician,  physician  assistant  or  advanced  practice 6 
registered   nurse,   participation   in   physical   education   is   medically 7 
contraindicated because of the physical condition of such student, shall 8 
be  excused  from  the  physical  education  requirement,  provided  the 9 
credit for physical education may be fulfilled by an elective. 10 
(2) Any student who participates in interscholastic athletics may be 11 
exempt  from  the  physical  education  and  wellness  requirement  under 12 
subdivision   (3)   of   subsection   (d)   of   this   section,   provided   such 13 
exemption  is  permitted  pursuant  to  a  policy  adopted  by  the  local  or 14 
regional board of education of the school district in which such student 15 
is  enrolled.  Any  student  who  receives  such  exemption  shall  still  be 16 

Substitute Bill No. 222 
 
 
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responsible for completing a minimum of twenty-five credits in order to 17 
graduate from high school or be granted a diploma under this section. 18 
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following 
sections: 
 
Section 1 
July 1, 2026 
10-221a(f) 
 
ED Joint Favorable Subst.

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