This bill aims to make financial education instruction a graduation requirement for public school students in Washington State. It recognizes the importance of personal finance knowledge for economic well-being and builds on previous legislative efforts to support financial education in schools. The bill mandates that starting in or before the 2027-28 school year, all high school students must receive instruction aligned with state financial education learning standards. Additionally, it requires school districts to publicize this requirement to students and their families, and it allows for waivers for students who have recently moved to the state.

The bill also includes provisions for the state board of education to monitor compliance with these requirements and to recommend adjustments to graduation requirements to facilitate the implementation of financial education. A statewide implementation plan will be developed by the financial education public-private partnership, which will include recommendations for funding to support professional development in financial literacy. The bill stipulates that if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025, the act will be null and void.

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