HR8126-118

1. Inclusion of local educational agencies and schools in best practices for teaching financial literacy Section 514(a)(3) of the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act (20 U.S.C. 9703(a)(3)) is amended— in subparagraph (A)— in the matter preceding clause (i)— by inserting and secondary schools after of institutions of higher education; by striking May 24, 2018 and inserting January 1, 2024; and by inserting and secondary schools after for institutions of higher education; and in clause (ii), by striking at institutions of higher education when and inserting in; by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: The best practices described in subparagraph (A), as applicable to institutions of higher education, shall include— methods to ensure that each student has a clear sense of the student’s total borrowing obligations, including monthly payments, and repayment options; the most effective ways to engage students in financial literacy education, including frequency and timing of communication with students; information on how to target different student populations, including part-time students, first-time students, and other nontraditional students; and ways to clearly communicate the importance of graduating on a student’s ability to repay student loans. The best practices described in subparagraph (A), as applicable to secondary schools, shall include— methods to create a budget, track expenses, and save for short-term and long-term financial objectives; effective ways to save and invest money, including by introducing students to different financial securities; information on the fundamentals of credit, including a description and effects of credit scores, and the importance of responsible credit card usage; critical thinking skills to evaluate financial products, make informed decisions, and avoid financial scams; and methods to ensure that each student has a clear understanding of postsecondary education financing options, including student loan borrowing, in preparation for enrollment at an institution of higher education. in subparagraph (D), by inserting or a secondary school after institution of higher education. (B)Best practices(i)The best practices described in subparagraph (A), as applicable to institutions of higher education, shall include—(I)methods to ensure that each student has a clear sense of the student’s total borrowing obligations, including monthly payments, and repayment options;(II)the most effective ways to engage students in financial literacy education, including frequency and timing of communication with students;(III)information on how to target different student populations, including part-time students, first-time students, and other nontraditional students; and(IV)ways to clearly communicate the importance of graduating on a student’s ability to repay student loans.(ii)The best practices described in subparagraph (A), as applicable to secondary schools, shall include—(I)methods to create a budget, track expenses, and save for short-term and long-term financial objectives;(II)effective ways to save and invest money, including by introducing students to different financial securities;(III)information on the fundamentals of credit, including a description and effects of credit scores, and the importance of responsible credit card usage;(IV)critical thinking skills to evaluate financial products, make informed decisions, and avoid financial scams; and(V)methods to ensure that each student has a clear understanding of postsecondary education financing options, including student loan borrowing, in preparation for enrollment at an institution of higher education.; and