Ohio Senate passes obesity bill

COLUMBUS — Schoolchildren would be required to take part in at least 30 minutes of rigorous physical activity each day, excluding recess, under legislation approved by the Ohio Senate today.

Senate Bill 210, sponsored by Sens. Kevin Coughlin, a Republican from Cuyahoga Falls, and Eric Kearney, a Democrat from Cincinnati, passed on a vote of 24-7 and heads to the Ohio House for further consideration.

Comparable legislation already is being considered in that chamber.

Proponents say the legislation will help instill an awareness of healthy eating and living among schoolchildren and decrease state health-care costs over time.

The exercise requirement would start during the 2011-12 school year, except in districts that seek waivers due to financial hardship or for certain exempted students.