Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR195

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  
Refer
4/10/26  
Report Pass
4/20/26  

Caption

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.

Impact

The proposed requirement aims to equip students with crucial financial skills that are vital for their post-secondary lives, such as budgeting, saving, and managing credit. Existing studies highlighted in the resolution have shown a significant decline in financial literacy across generations, raising concerns about the long-term consequences of low financial knowledge on individuals and society. The resolution emphasizes the importance of community and educational institutions to collectively address these gaps and improve financial behaviors among young residents.

Summary

SCR195 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that seeks to revise public high school graduation requirements in Hawaii. The resolution requests the Board of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Education, to implement a standalone financial literacy course that all students must complete before graduating. This move is grounded in a broader effort initiated by the Senate in 2025, which aimed to increase financial literacy among students, seen as an essential life skill. Currently, thirty states have already adopted similar measures, suggesting a strong trend towards greater financial education across the country.

Sentiment

The reception of SCR195 has been largely favorable, as evidenced by broad support from community stakeholders and financial organizations advocating for financial literacy courses. Advocates argue that a standalone financial literacy course would prioritize practical financial skills over integrating such education into broader subjects, which may dilute its effectiveness. However, there are concerns regarding the formal approval process for the requirement by the Board of Education, with some stakeholders feeling it lacked comprehensive consideration of alternative educational strategies.

Contention

One area of contention surrounding SCR195 is the method of implementation. The resolution sets specific expectations from the Board of Education, including tracking student completion rates, identifying funding sources, and creating a community-informed curriculum. The requirement for a progress report and data analysis has raised questions about the administrative burden this might impose. Critics may argue whether a standalone course is indeed the best approach compared to integrating financial literacy into existing subjects or models.

Companion Bills

HI SR192

Same As Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR66

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Financial Literacy Curricula Plan For Public High School Students.

HI SR44

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Financial Literacy Curricula Plan For Public High School Students.

HI SCR114

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI SCR233

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop Indoor Athletic Courts And Gymnasiums At Elementary Public Schools.

HI HCR86

Requesting The Department Of Education To Report On The Implementation Of Aloha-based Civic Education Initiatives In Hawaii's Public Schools.

HI SCR72

Requesting The Department Of Education And Department Of Health To Update Vaccination Forms And Recordkeeping For Public School And Charter School Students.

HI HR80

Requesting The Department Of Education To Report On The Implementation Of Aloha-based Civic Education Initiatives In Hawaii's Public Schools.

HI SR95

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI HCR186

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

HI HR179

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

Similar Bills

NM SB37

High Quality Literacy Instruction Act

MI HR0199

A resolution to declare October 2025 as Health Literacy Month in the state of Michigan.

HI SR192

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.

CA SB1048

State Seal of Climate Literacy.

HI HB936

Relating To Financial Literacy.

HI SB1277

Relating To Financial Literacy.

HI SB1277

Relating To Financial Literacy.

HI HB936

Relating To Financial Literacy.