Bill > HB865

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Education to implement a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum for all public school students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. For students in kindergarten through eighth grade, the curriculum will introduce age-appropriate financial concepts integrated across various courses, covering topics such as credit, borrowing, mortgages, and credit reporting. For high school students (grades nine through twelve), the bill mandates a specific half-credit financial literacy course that is required for graduation, which will include more advanced topics like planning for postsecondary education and in-depth financial management skills. The curriculum will be based on national standards established by the Council for Economic Education, and the Board of Education will be responsible for providing professional development to teachers who will be teaching these financial literacy courses. The legislature's rationale for the bill is to address the historical gap in financial education, recognizing that not all students learn essential financial skills from their families and that such education is crucial for preparing youth to achieve financial independence and prosperity.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=865&year=2025