Rude introduces financial education bill

By Dan Thesman on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

OLYMPIA – Many students in Washington are finishing high school without the skills needed to handle finances in adulthood. Rep. Skyler Rude (R-Walla Walla) aims to change that with House Bill 1285, which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement.

The bill allows flexibility in how this education is delivered, using various courses or online programs. Rude introduced a similar bill during the 2024 session which passed the House of Representatives, but it was amended by the Senate. There wasn’t enough time left in the session for the House to consider the amendment.

“This legislation builds on previous efforts to improve financial education in schools and sends a clear message: we are committed to prioritizing practical, real-world learning,” Rude said.

HB 1285 is before the House Education Committee for consideration. The 2025 legislative session started on Monday and will last 105 consecutive days.