Bill > HB1180

This bill requires the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a comprehensive personal finance curriculum for high school students, with the goal of providing financial literacy education. The bill defines "personal finance" as a course that equips students with financial tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in personal and professional settings. A diverse work group will be established to develop academic performance standards, including representatives from educators, banking, entrepreneurship, nonprofit organizations, investment, student loan, retirement planning, and insurance industries. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, all high school students will be required to complete a half-unit credit in personal finance before graduating, with some flexibility for transfer students and potential early completion for ninth-grade students. The state board of education will adopt these standards and commit to reviewing them every seven years to ensure they remain current with economic trends and best practices. The work group must include at least 25% educators specializing in personal finance instruction, and the standards aim to provide students with up-to-date financial skills and knowledge that can help them navigate the modern economic landscape.