Oregon SB1596: Relating to play-based learning.

What the bill says

From the enrolled text, February 26, 2026:

83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2026 Regular Session Senate Bill 1596 Sponsored by Senators FREDERICK, MANNING JR; Senators CAMPOS, GOLDEN, JAMA, PROZANSKI, WEBER, Representatives ANDERSEN, GAMBA, GRAYBER, HELM, ISADORE, MCINTIRE, NELSON, PHAM H, WISE (at the request of Oregon Public Education Network) (Presession filed.) CHAPTER ................................................. Relating to play-based learning. SECTION 1. Section 2 of this 2026 Act is added to and made a part of ORS chapter 329. SECTION 2. (1) As used in this section: (a) "Free play" means activities and (B) Are spontaneous, voluntary, unstructured and child-directed. (b) "Guided play" means experiences and (B) Combine the child-directed nature of free play with a focus on learning outcomes. (c) "Play-based learning" means learning and (B) Uses developmentally appropriate strategies that can be integrated into existing learning standards. (2) Any rules adopted by the State Board of Education that prescribe requirements for instructional time shall allow play-based learning to be considered instructional time for students in kindergarten through grade five. (3) For the purpose of this section, play-based learning does not include participation in physical education that complies with the requirements of ORS 329.496 or recess. Enrolled Senate Bill 1596 (SB 1596-A) Page 1 Passed by Senate February 19, 2026 Received by Governor: ........................M.,........................................................., 2026 .................................................................................. Approved: Obadiah Rutledge, Secretary of Senate ........................M.,........................................................., 2026 .................................................................................. Rob Wagner, President of Senate .................................................................................. …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Lew Frederick (D, 22) · primary sponsor
• Manning Jr., James (D, 7) · primary sponsor
• Wlnsvey Campos (D, 18)
• Jeffrey Golden (D, 3)
• Kayse Jama (D, 24)
• Floyd Prozanski (D, 4)
• Suzanne Weber (R, 16)
• Thomas Andersen (D, 19)
• Mark Gamba (D, 41)
• Ken Helm (D, 27)
• Shannon Isadore (D, 33)
• Travis Nelson (D, 44)

Latest actions

1. March 17, 2026: Effective date, January 1, 2027.
2. March 17, 2026: Chapter 27, 2026 Laws.
3. March 5, 2026: Governor signed.
4. February 27, 2026: Speaker signed.
5. February 27, 2026: President signed.
6. February 26, 2026: Third reading. Carried by Fragala. Passed.
7. February 25, 2026: Second reading.
8. February 25, 2026: Recommendation: Do pass.
9. February 25, 2026: Work Session held.
10. February 23, 2026: Public Hearing held.

Votes

• Third reading. Carried by Fragala. Passed. (February 26, 2026): 57 yea, 0 nay, passed
• HED Committee Vote (February 25, 2026): 8 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Third reading. Carried by Weber. Passed. (February 19, 2026): 28 yea, 0 nay, passed
• SED Committee Vote (February 12, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB1596?

SB1596 is a bill in the Oregon Legislature (2026 Legislative Measures): Relating to play-based learning.

What does SB1596 do?

Digest: Allows learning by playing to count towards time required by the State Board of Education. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.8). Directs the State Board of Education to allow play-based learning to be considered instructional time for students in kindergarten through grade five.

What is the status of SB1596?

Chaptered as of March 17, 2026. Latest action: Effective date, January 1, 2027. (March 17, 2026).

Who sponsored SB1596?

Lew Frederick (D, 22), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB1596?

On the Oregon Legislature website: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/1596