Legislation would give high school students credit for personal finance courses

Legislation recently introduced in the state House would permit public school students in grades 9-12 to apply up to one credit earned for completing a personal finance course to satisfy social studies, family and consumer science, mathematics or business education credit requirements for graduation.

The governing body of the school must determine the graduation requirement to which the credit can be applied to qualify for graduation.

The credits would apply to students graduating after the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Students would not be permitted to apply more than one credit.

“Personal finance is a vital skill that our children should have when graduating and beginning their careers,” Rep. Rosemary Brown (R-Monroe/Pike), who introduced the bill, said. “High-schoolers need to learn and understand how to budget, write checks, meet bill deadlines, and explore student loan options as they are crucial to their future successes in their adult lives.”

The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949. If the bill becomes law, it will be effective in 60 days.

Brown also introduced House Bill 923. The bill would improve the legislature’s ability to evaluate a governor’s request for supplemental appropriations by requiring a statement about why funding is needed.