This bill aims to make financial education a graduation requirement for high school students in Washington state. It recognizes the importance of personal finance knowledge for economic well-being and builds on previous efforts to enhance financial education in public schools. The bill mandates that starting in or before the 2029-30 school year, all high school students must receive financial education instruction aligned with state learning standards. To graduate, students must meet these financial education standards, beginning with the graduating class of 2033 or as recommended by the state board of education.

The bill also includes provisions for the state board of education to recommend adjustments to graduation requirements to ensure students can meet the new financial education mandate. It requires school districts to publicize the availability of financial education instruction and allows for waivers of the requirement for students who have recently moved to the state. Additionally, the state board will monitor compliance with these requirements and report findings to the legislature by January 10, 2029. The bill amends existing law to include new instructional materials and emphasizes the importance of providing equitable access to financial education for all students.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.300.468