Bill > SB605

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Education to develop and implement a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum for all public school students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. For students in kindergarten through eighth grade, the curriculum will introduce age-appropriate financial concepts such as credit, borrowing, and financial management. For high school students (grades 9-12), the bill mandates a mandatory half-credit financial literacy course as a graduation requirement, which will cover more advanced topics like credit cards, mortgages, educational financing, and credit reporting, using national economic education standards. The curriculum will be integrated across appropriate courses and grade levels, and the Board of Education will be responsible for providing professional development to teachers to ensure they are qualified to teach these financial literacy courses. The bill's purpose is to address the historical gap in financial education and prepare students to be financially responsible adults by equipping them with essential money management skills.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=605&year=2026