Kentucky schools required to add new financial literacy standards: Changes in store for local districts

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — A bill that would require creating financial literacy standards in Kentucky school districts, along with a course requirement for high school students, was signed into law on March 24.

House Bill 342 amended a previous law enacted in July 2018, which required high school students to complete a financial literacy class while calling upon schools statewide to establish financial literacy standards.

The amendment added the collaboration of the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission (KFEC) and also defined the types of topics that needed to be addressed in a financial literacy course. These learning areas include budgeting, investing, taxes, insurance and risk management, being able to produce a cursive signature, and others.

The newly signed law requires Kentucky superintendents to consult with the Department of Education to make decisions about building the courses. The department will also develop financial literacy guidelines for local schools and districts.

HB 342 gives schools the option to decide if financial literacy courses will fulfill math, social studies, or elective requirements.

The bill would affect students entering grade nine during or after the 2026-2027 school year. It would be required to be completed during the 11th or 12th grade, lawmakers said.

Wednesday, March 26, is the last available day for Gov. Andy Beshear to either sign or veto bills brought to his desk following the Kentucky General Assembly’s 2025 session.