Proposed Bill Would Require Personal Financial Literacy Curriculum for High School Students

Concepts taught would include spending and saving, managing bank accounts, and debt management.

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INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House lawmakers recently voted to advance legislation that would require high school students to demonstrate proficiency in personal financial literacy in order to graduate.

House Bill 1281, authored by Dave Hall (R-Norman), would adopt a personal finance curriculum for students in public or charter schools beginning with the Class of 2027.

Lessons could be a separate course or incorporated into an appropriate subject like math. Concepts that would be taught include spending and saving, managing bank accounts, debt management and loan applications.

The legislation would also allow a personal financial responsibility course to qualify as a math credit for Hoosiers earning an alternative diploma.

"Our students need a deeper understanding of how to handle their money before they fall into unnecessary debt that may be difficult to recover from," Hall said. "It's imperative we equip them with this knowledge so they're prepared for success after finishing school."

HB 1281 now moves to the Senate for consideration.