The Arizona House approved a bill Thursday requiring high school students to complete at least one-half course credit in economics to study personal finance.

Rep. Michelle Udall, R-Mesa, said teaching life skills is an important part of preparing students for life after high school.

“At no time with it be unnecessary for students to know the skills of personal financial management,” she said.

Republican lawmakers struck down a Democratic amendment that would have added information about the dangers of high-interest loans in the curriculum. Rep. Noel Campbell, R-Prescott, said that provision was unnecessary.

“The one thing that really educates a young person is when they lose money,” he said. “That's the real lesson in life. So lose a little money if you think predatory lending is too high and you’ll get smart in a hurry.”

The bill now goes to a roll-call vote and then onto the Governor’s desk.