Today, the Washington State House of Representatives resoundingly approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Rep. Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla, aimed at including financial education instruction as a requirement for students to graduate from high school.
“Empowering students with a tool like financial education is a catalyst for unlocking greater opportunities and success in their futures,” said Rude, ranking Republican on the House Education Committee. “Despite certain school districts recognizing the importance of financial education for students, a substantial number are still graduating without instruction in this vital area. My legislation is dedicated to addressing this issue.”
House Bill 1915 would do the following:
- Require school districts to provide all high school students access to at least one-half credit of financial education instruction beginning in or before the 2027-28 school year.
- The financial education graduation requirement will take effect beginning with the graduating class of 2031.
- Directs the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership (FEPPP) to review financial education information submitted by school districts and create a statewide implementation plan for the financial education credit provision and graduation requirements by September 30, 2026.
House Bill 1915 represents a forward-thinking measure to ensure that Washington’s students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await them beyond the walls of their classrooms.
State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti also supports this legislation.
“The momentum is building to make financial education a cornerstone for our students as they prepare for their future, and today’s vote in the House signals clearly that Washingtonians are eager to incorporate these skills into public education,” said State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti. “I’m thankful to Rep. Rude for his leadership on this bill and look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate to pass financial education legislation this session.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.