Bill would set later minimum school start times — middle schools no earlier than 8:00 a.m., high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m. starting 2028–29

Sponsor testimony described SB103 as a response to research on adolescent circadian rhythms, proposing that middle schools begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m. beginning in the 2028–29 school year, with a waiver process for compelling circumstances and required local public engagement. The sponsor emphasized a long planning runway and local flexibility in implementation.

Three witnesses — a parent and two students or former student members — supported the bill with personal testimony and references to scientific literature. Diana Bergman described improved behavior and attendance in jurisdictions that started high schools later; Sarah Broadwater, a college student, contrasted her online semester with a later start time to earlier, earlier semesters and said she felt more present with a later start time. Sage Snyder, an attorney who served as a student member on a school board, urged the committee not to wait, citing decades of advocacy and local boards’ slow pace on the issue.

Supporters recognized operational concerns such as transportation, athletics and family routines but said districts have successfully adjusted start times elsewhere and that the bill preserves local planning authority. The proposal requires districts to conduct outreach and coordinate implementation through public information campaigns to reduce disruption.

No committee action or vote was recorded; witnesses urged a favorable report to provide statewide baseline standards while retaining local flexibility.