Bill > HB44

This bill, known as the Advanced Manufacturing Through Robotics Education Act, establishes a new fund and a committee to support robotics competitions in Kentucky. The "robotics competition fund" will be used to award grants to "eligible robotics teams" (Kentucky-based student teams in grades 7-12 with at least two coaches) and "competition sponsors" (organizations that facilitate robotics events). A "Robotics Funding Selection Committee," composed of representatives from various educational and workforce development organizations, will oversee the grant process. The committee will establish requirements for grant applications, which must demonstrate a need, a financial strategy, and a commitment to "advanced manufacturing" – the development of robots through student design and fabrication. The Kentucky Department of Education will create administrative regulations by April 1, 2027, to govern grant applications and awards, and the committee must hold its first meeting by October 15, 2026. The bill also mandates annual reporting on fund expenditures and awards to the Legislative Research Commission.

Education

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb44.html