BILL REQ. #:  S-3811.3 

Read first time 01/09/2006.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to financial literacy education; adding a new section to chapter 28A.230 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that the purpose of the state's public education system is to help students acquire the skills and knowledge they need to be informed, productive, and responsible citizens. The legislature also recognizes that a lack of financial literacy can pose a significant barrier for individuals seeking to achieve financial prosperity and life-long stability. The legislature finds that it is of the utmost importance to ensure that Washington's students are educated in financial matters in order to prepare them for financial independence and help them develop the fiscal responsibility and financial management skills necessary to have a secure future and succeed in the twenty-first century.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.230 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Each school district board of directors is encouraged to adopt a financial literacy education program that is integrated within the existing curriculum.
     (2) "Financial literacy" means the achievement of skills and knowledge necessary to make informed judgments and effective decisions regarding earning, spending, and the management of money and credit.