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SB 592

State Board of Education - Financial Literacy - Graduation Requirement

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Brooks

SB 592 mandates Maryland high schools require financial literacy courses for graduation, ensuring all students gain personal finance knowledge before diplomas.

Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 592

Legislative bill overview

SB 592 would require Maryland high school students to complete a financial literacy course as a condition of graduation. The bill mandates that the State Board of Education establish standards and curriculum requirements for this course, ensuring all students receive instruction in personal finance topics before earning their diplomas.

Why is this important

Financial literacy is a practical life skill that affects students' long-term economic wellbeing, yet many states do not require it for graduation. Adding this requirement could help reduce predatory lending victimization, improve credit management, and increase savings rates among young adults—though implementation costs and curriculum development timelines would affect school districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum crowding: Adding a graduation requirement may displace other courses or extend school days, raising concerns about already-packed student schedules and district capacity
  • Implementation burden: Schools must develop new curricula and train teachers, creating upfront costs and logistical challenges that may fall unevenly on under-resourced districts
  • Content disagreement: Stakeholders may dispute what topics should be covered (e.g., cryptocurrency, investment strategies, debt management) and from what ideological perspective

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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