The bill aims to enhance financial education in Washington's public schools by making it a graduation prerequisite and a required component of the curriculum. It recognizes the importance of personal finance knowledge for students' economic well-being and outlines that starting in or before the 2027-28 school year, all high school students must have access to at least one-half credit of financial education instruction. Furthermore, beginning with the graduating class of 2031, students will be required to earn this credit to graduate. The instruction can be delivered through stand-alone courses or integrated into other subjects, and it must align with the state financial education learning standards.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to ensure that school districts provide a list of instructional materials that meet the financial education standards. It requires districts to submit plans for implementing these requirements by December 15, 2025, and mandates that they publicize the financial education offerings to students and their families. The state board of education will oversee compliance with these requirements and report on the implementation progress to the legislature. The bill also allows for individual waivers of the graduation requirement for students who have resided outside the state for extended periods during high school.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.300.468
Substitute Bill: 28A.300.468