Earlier this month, SB 2872 was approved by the Illinois Senate and has now been referred to the House Elementary and Secondary Education: School Curriculum and Policies Committee. The bill would permit school districts to provide at least 20 minutes of “relaxation activities” – specifically including yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, walking, and others – to enhance the mental and physical health of students as part of the school day. 

Press Release: Illinois: Ventura Measure to Enhance Physical, Emotional Health in Schools Passes Senate 

Yoga Alliance has been working with the Senate’s bill sponsor, Senator Rachel Ventura, as well as its House sponsor, Rep. Laura Faver Dias, to ensure that schools may work with both public and private entities and individuals, including yoga businesses and professionals, to implement the required “relaxation activities.”  

The House Elementary and Secondary Education: School Curriculum and Policies Committee will hold a hearing on the bill on May 1, 2024. Illinois residents are encouraged to register their support for this bill by “filing a slip” in favor of the bill by Tuesday, April 30, 11:59 p.m. ET.   

If you are an Illinois resident, and would like to support this bill, complete the following steps:  

1. Click on this link: Witness Slip for SB 2872 House Hearing (ilga.gov) 

2. Enter your contact information, the name of your yoga business and title (as applicable). You can skip the section on Representation. 

3. Select “Proponent” under the Position section. 

4. Under the Testimony section, click on “Record of Appearance Only,” which means you would like to register your support. During the hearing, the chairman or chairwoman will read how many people support and oppose a piece of legislation.  

5. Once you have completed the required information, check that you agree to the ILGA Terms of Agreement and click “Create (Slip)” at the bottom of the page. 

The passing of SB 2872 could potentially create numerous opportunities for yoga professionals in the Illinois educational system as school districts implement this legislation. Working alongside educators, yoga professionals could help create and adapt yoga practices to support the unique needs of students. 

We believe that if more people practice yoga, the better the world will be. It is our goal to advocate for yoga, in its wholeness, and for human beings in theirs. To do this we are proud to partner with policy makers and institutions to educate the public about yoga, broaden the understanding of a complete yoga practice as a tool for improving human wellness and advancement, and advocate at the systemic level on behalf of yoga professionals to develop opportunities to share the practice. If you have any questions, further input, or information regarding yoga in schools or other issues, please share it with us at yaadvocacy@ndanpice.com.