The proposed bill, SB1058, mandates that the State Board of Education (SBE) include a half-credit course in personal finance as a competency requirement for high school graduation. This new requirement will not take effect until the graduating class of 2030. The bill also directs the SBE to collaborate with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to develop personal finance academic standards, which must be publicly reviewed and adopted by July 1, 2026.

In contrast to current law, which allows the SBE to consider establishing a personal finance course, the new bill explicitly requires it. Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement for personal finance to be included in social studies competency requirements and eliminates the need for a voluntary personal finance endorsement for high school teachers. The bill emphasizes transparency in the standards development process by requiring periodic updates, public feedback, and adequate notice for meetings related to the adoption of these standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-501.01, 15-701.01, 15-533, 15-534, 15-756.09, 15-532, 15-219, 15-537, 15-203, 15-782.01, 15-132, 15-552
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-701.01