RELATING TO FINANCIAL LITERACY.

HB2470

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2470

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating
to financial literacy
.

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

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SECTION 1.
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The legislature finds that financial literacy
is a foundational life skill that supports long-term household stability,
workforce readiness, and economic resilience.
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Personal financial education is essential to ensure that Hawaii's youth
are prepared to manage money, credit, and debt and to become responsible
workers, heads of households, investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and
citizens.

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The
legislature declares that financial literacy instruction can be efficiently
scaled by embedding financial literacy content into existing courses that
substantially align with financial literacy program standards, including but
not limited to economics and business courses, thereby minimizing new course
burdens while ensuring statewide access and consistency.

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Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to require the department of education to integrate
financial literacy instruction into existing courses identified as having
sufficient overlap with financial literacy program standards and to provide
professional development for teachers to implement the embedded instruction.

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SECTION
2.
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Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart B, to be
appropriately designated and to read as follows:

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"
�302A-
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Financial literacy; public schools;
existing courses; professional development.
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(a)
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The department shall,
beginning with the 2027 to 2028 school year, embed financial literacy instruction
into existing department courses for public school students in grades nine
through twelve, that the department determines to have sufficient overlap with
financial literacy program standards, including but not limited to economics
and business-related courses.

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(b)
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No later than December 31, 2026, the
department shall:

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(1)
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Publish a list of existing courses
identified pursuant to subsection (a);

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(2)
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Ensure the embedded
financial
literacy instruction aligns with financial literacy program standards adopted
or recognized by the department; and

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(3)
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Publish implementation guidance for
public high schools, including minimum content expectations and requirements
for documentation of student completion.

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(c)
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The board shall provide teachers with professional
development to implement financial literacy instruction.
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Professional development may include
workshops, summer training, coaching, online modules, and instructional
resources.
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Teachers shall complete
financial literacy professional development before implementing embedded financial
literacy instruction pursuant to this section.

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(d)
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The department may collaborate with public
agencies and private or nonprofit partners to develop instructional materials
and training resources; provided that the department shall ensure that
instruction and materials remain noncommercial and free from advertising or
product promotion.

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(e)
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The board may adopt rules pursuant to chapter
91 to carry out the purposes of this section.
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SECTION
3.
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There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of
$ or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for:

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(1)
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Professional development and training
for teachers to implement financial literacy instruction embedded into existing
courses pursuant to this Act;

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(2)
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The development and adaptation of
instructional resources aligned with financial literacy program standards; and

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(3)
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Implementation support, including
planning and coordination.

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The
sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the
purposes of this Act.

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SECTION
4.
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New statutory material is
underscored.

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SECTION
5.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1,
2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DOE; BOE;
Financial Literacy Instruction; Curriculum Integration; Professional
Development; Public Schools; Appropriation

Description:

Requires
the Department of Education to implement financial literacy instruction into
existing courses in public high schools that have sufficient overlap with
financial literacy program standards beginning in the 2027-2028 school
year.
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Requires the Board of Education to
provide professional development to teachers.
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Allows the Board of Education to adopt rules.
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Appropriates funds.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.