Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill to make financial literacy a high school graduation requirement.

State Rep. Ryan Hamilton, D-Methuen, filed the bill, called “An Act Relative to Personal Financial Literacy.” Hamilton said many high school students aren't prepared to make the financial decisions they may face right out school, like buying a car, renting an apartment or paying student loans.

“I am the youngest member of the Legislature,” Hamilton said at a hearing for the bill this week. “High school was not that far off for me and I do remember, I unfortunately was not prepared at my high school for making the financial decisions that I would have to make at a very short period of time.”

“Students should be able to learn about these skills in person while attending school and not simply from articles online and on social media,” said Worcester resident Daniel Mara, who testified at the hearing. “In an urban community like Worcester, financial literacy standards are needed to ensure students know how to adapt to our ever-changing economy.”

Hamilton noted that in 2023, Massachusetts received an “F” grade from the Center for Financial Literacy for its significant lack in teaching on personal finance.