COLUMBIA, S.C. - A bill aimed at improving physical education and nutritional standards in schools cleared a House Education subcommittee Tuesday.

The Students Health and Fitness Act would require two and a half hours of physical education weekly for kindergarten through fifth-grade students who now may get just 30 minutes.

"We just want to make sure kids get 150 minutes a week and just improve their health," Rep. Don Smith, R-North Augusta, said.

The legislation also says all vending machines serving food and beverages that do not meet U.S. Agriculture Department standards of healthy snacks would have to be removed from schools.

The changes would cost $6 million during the first year. The legislation would not go into effect unless the General Assembly provides the money.

The bill will move to full House Education and Public Works Committee.