Texas House Bill HB1153

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to expanding the public high school curriculum to promote personal financial literacy.

Impact

The impact of HB1153 on state laws involves changes to the Texas Education Code, which will explicitly require all school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to include personal financial literacy as part of their curriculum for students in the ninth or tenth grade. This requirement reflects a growing recognition of the importance of financial education in fostering responsible financial behavior among young adults, ultimately promoting economic stability within the state.

Summary

House Bill 1153 aims to expand the public high school curriculum in Texas by mandating instruction on personal financial literacy. This bill is intended to ensure that high school students receive essential knowledge and skills that will help them understand and manage their finances effectively. The curriculum will be incorporated into required high school courses, specifically in mathematics or economics, and aims to empower students with practical financial skills they can utilize in adulthood.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation of personal financial literacy education. Proponents argue that equipping students with personal finance knowledge will reduce the risk of financial mismanagement and improve overall economic outcomes for individuals and communities. However, concerns might arise regarding the strain on existing educational resources and the ability of schools to hire qualified instructors to teach these additional subjects effectively. Some may also question whether the new curriculum may detract from other critical educational areas or the flexibility of school curriculums.