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House approves requirement for financial-literacy credit for high-school graduation
Summary
The House passed a second-substitute of HB 77 to add a half‑credit in financial literacy as a graduation requirement after sponsors cited Utah’s high bankruptcy rates; the measure passed 44-24 and was sent to the Senate.
The Utah House voted to require a half‑credit of financial literacy for high-school graduation, approving second-substitute House Bill 77 by 44–24 on Feb. 25. Sponsor Representative Hogue argued the change would help reduce future bankruptcy and equip students with everyday financial skills.
In floor remarks Representative Hogue cited Utah State University research and nationwide bankruptcy figures to argue that graduates need training on balancing checkbooks, understanding interest and debt management. “We need to make those kids be financially literate,” Hogue said during his presentation. He described committee amendments that increased certain court fees in related language and noted further tightening of language would be proposed in subsequent amendments.
Supporters urged passage as a way to give students practical skills; Representative Hutchings and others endorsed the proposal. Opponents, including legislators who object to statewide mandates on curriculum, urged caution about supplanting local school-board discretion and asked whether the State Board of Education was already incorporating personal economics into curriculum. Representative Dayton said the state board was already considering such a program and that a mandate might be unnecessary.
After debate the House adopted the substitute and forwarded HB 77 to the Senate with a 44–24 vote.
Vote: HB 77 passed the House 44 yes, 24 no and will be referred to the Senate for further action.
