S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
2384
2021-2022 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
January 19, 2021
___________
Introduced by M. of A. SEAWRIGHT -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to courses of study in
consumer awareness and financial education
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 814-a
to read as follows:
§ 814-A. COURSES OF STUDY IN CONSUMER AWARENESS AND FINANCIAL EDUCA-
TION. 1. ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE STATE SHALL PROVIDE, TO PUPILS IN
GRADES NINE THROUGH TWELVE, ONE FULL UNIT OF INSTRUCTION DESIGNED TO
PROMOTE CONSUMER AWARENESS AND FINANCIAL EDUCATION.
2. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO RECEIVE A
COURSE OR FULL UNIT OF INSTRUCTION IN CONSUMER AWARENESS AND FINANCIAL
EDUCATION.
3. THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION MAY BE FULFILLED THROUGH THE
FINANCE UNIT OF THE REQUIRED HIGH SCHOOL ECONOMICS OR HOME ECONOMICS
COURSE OR THE CONTINUATION OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COURSES CURRENTLY
BEING TAUGHT IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
4. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OR TRUSTEES OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS
CHARGED WITH DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING A CONSUMER AWARENESS AND FINAN-
CIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS THAT SHALL INCLUDE,
BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, INSTRUCTION IN THE FOLLOWING:
A. SETTING FINANCIAL GOALS AND DEVELOPING A BUDGET;
B. UNDERSTANDING BASIC BANKING SERVICES SUCH AS CHECKING ACCOUNTS,
SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT;
C. UNDERSTANDING THE CONSUMER IMPACT AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CHECK
CASHING AND OTHER TOOLS AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS FOR IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO
FUNDS;
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05644-01-1
A. 2384 2
D. UNDERSTANDING VARIOUS INVESTMENT TOOLS AND RISKS INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS, MUTUAL FUNDS, INSURANCE POLICIES, THE
STOCK MARKET AND OTHER INVESTMENT TYPES;
E. UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE PRODUCTS AND RISKS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMIT-
ED TO LIFE INSURANCE, AUTO INSURANCE, HEALTH INSURANCE, HOMEOWNER AND
RENTAL INSURANCE;
F. UNDERSTANDING THE USE AND RISK ASSOCIATED WITH CREDIT, BORROWING,
CREDIT SCORING, AND CREDIT CARD DEBT;
G. HOW TO MANAGE DEBT, INCLUDING HOME, AUTOMOTIVE AND CREDIT CARD
DEBT;
H. HOW TO UNDERSTAND AND CALCULATE INTEREST RATES;
I. HOW TO UNDERSTAND RETIREMENT PLANNING OPTIONS AND RISKS INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO DEFERRED COMPENSATION, SOCIAL SECURITY, IRA, ROTH IRA
AND OTHER RETIREMENT PLANNING OPTIONS; AND
J. A REVIEW OF STATE AGENCIES AND LAWS TO ASSIST CONSUMERS IN BANKING
AND CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS.
5. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
CURRICULA FOR SUCH COURSES OF STUDY WHICH SHALL BE AGE APPROPRIATE AND
DEVELOPED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND ABILITIES OF PUPILS IN ORDER TO
PROVIDE CONSUMER AWARENESS AND FINANCIAL EDUCATION, SKILLS, INFORMATION
AND SUPPORT.
§ 2. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a
law.