Senate Education Committee approves amendment to HB 1192 to embed financial literacy in required courses; bill sent to Appropriations

The Senate Education Committee approved an amendment to House Bill 1192 on a 5–2 vote that requires financial literacy instruction to be taught as part of an existing required high‑school course rather than mandating a standalone class.

Senator Bridges, the amendment sponsor, described L23 as a compromise that preserves local control while ensuring students receive instruction. "I think we have reached a fantastic compromise that does not require a separate course for financial literacy, but does require that a required course, teach financial literacy," Bridges said.

The change drew both support and concern. Senator Lundin said the measure "still has graduation requirement baked into it that I'm uncomfortable with," and said she would vote no because of that provision. Senator Kipp, who supported the amendment, sought assurance that students who opt out of FAFSA assistance would not be subject to new tracking; Bridges replied, "No forms, no tracking." Senator Marchman and others praised the sponsor for negotiating the amendment and said the flexibility would help districts of varying sizes place the material in math, consumer math or government classes.

Committee members also noted a technical question raised by CDE about whether the statutory language as written applies only to high school and not to K–8; staff said the agency would review the statute and, if needed, the committee could address a technical fix in a future hearing.

After the amendment passed by roll call (tally 5 yes, 2 no), Senator Marchman moved to refer House Bill 1192 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations. The referral passed on a 5–2 vote.

The committee did not adopt any tracking or reporting requirements tied to FAFSA opt‑outs as part of this amendment. The bill now proceeds to Appropriations for further consideration.