(Washington State) Across Washington, students are graduating high school without the skills they need to navigate the financial realities of adulthood. From managing household budgets to planning for retirement, too many students are entering the next phase of life unprepared to make informed decisions about their financial future.
Rep. Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla, aims to change that with House Bill 1285, which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement for Washington high school students.
“Ensuring every student is equipped with financial education skills is a critical step toward setting up the next generation for success,” said Rude, the ranking Republican on the House Education Committee. “This legislation builds on previous efforts to improve financial education in schools and sends a clear message: we are committed to prioritizing practical, real-world learning.”
Under HB 1285, school districts must provide financial education instruction and ensure students meet state financial literacy standards to graduate. This bill emphasizes flexibility for districts, allowing students to access this knowledge through diverse learning opportunities, such as career and technical education courses, online programs, or integration into existing classes like math.
Rude’s leadership on financial education is longstanding, and HB 1285 represents the next steps in his commitment to equipping Washington students for success. Building on his 2024 legislation and years of bipartisan efforts–including establishing the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership in 2004, adopting financial education standards in 2015, and funding for teacher training in 2022–his bill ensures every student has access to financial education skills essential for adulthood.
“This bill is about more than just addressing financial education; it’s about giving all students the tools they need to thrive,” added Rude. “It’s one solution in our larger mission to improve and restore confidence in our education system and prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.”
HB 1285 is part of a broader effort by House Republicans to address the systemic challenges facing Washington’s students and schools.
The bill now moves to the House Education Committee for further consideration.
The 2025 legislative session started on Monday, Jan. 13, and will last 105 consecutive days.
