SCR 195 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

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.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests that Hawaii's Board of Education work with the Department of Education to change public high school graduation requirements so that students must complete a standalone financial literacy course. The bill addresses concerns that the current approach, which allows financial literacy to be integrated into other courses or the Personal Transition Plan, may not provide sufficient dedicated instruction and accountability. It proposes specific implementation steps including teacher professional development, funding identification, student completion tracking, and a curriculum based on community input. The resolution is based on evidence showing declining financial literacy among younger generations and the benefits of dedicated financial education for post-secondary success.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Mar 16, 2026 Signed Apr 24, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SCR195 SCR195_HD1 · 5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was amended to add a specific implementation timeline for the new financial literacy course, requiring it to begin in the 2026-2027 school year. The resolution also expanded the Board of Education's duties to include collecting implementation data and submitting progress and final reports to the Legislature by set deadlines in 2027 and 2028. Additionally, the text was updated to formally name the 'Financial Literacy Task Force' and clarify the transmission of certified copies to the Board Chair and Superintendent.
Scope change
The bill's scope now includes specific mandates for data collection, progress reporting, and a defined start date for the program, moving from a general request to a more structured oversight framework.
TIMELINE

Added a requirement that the standalone financial literacy course be implemented beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

Added requirements for the Board to submit a progress report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session and a final report no later than twenty days before the 2028 Regular Session.

REQUIREMENT

Added a mandate for the Board of Education to collect and analyze data on student enrollment, completion rates, and implementation barriers.

TECHNICAL

Updated the recipient of certified copies from the Superintendent and Chairperson to specifically the Chairperson of the Board and the Superintendent of Education.

DEFINITION

Formally defined the '2024 Financial Literacy Task Force' in the text where it was previously referred to without a formal title.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
28
Key actions
8
Committee
7
Amendments
1
Apr 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
Resolution adopted in final form.
upper
Apr 21, 2026
Amended
Senate disagrees with House amendments.
upper
Apr 21, 2026
Introduced
Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 797).
upper
Apr 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Adopted as amended in HD 1 with Representative(s) Iwamoto voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Alcos, Cochran, Woodson excused (3).
lower
Apr 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from EDN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2230-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending adoption.
lower
Apr 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Woodson, La Chica, Amato, Evslin, Garrett, Olds, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Kapela, Kila.
lower
Apr 10, 2026
Committee
Referred to EDN, referral sheet 28
lower
Apr 9, 2026
Introduced
Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 506).
lower
Apr 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Report and Resolution Adopted. Transmitted to House.
upper
Apr 8, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported from EDU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3600) with recommendation of adoption.
upper
Apr 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in EDU were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Kidani, Hashimoto, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fukunaga.
upper
Apr 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on EDU has scheduled a public hearing on 04-06-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
upper
Mar 19, 2026
Committee
Referred to EDU.
upper
Mar 16, 2026
Introduced
Offered.
upper
7 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors