KY HB44

Establishes the Robotics Competition Fund in the State Treasury to provide grants to Kentucky-based robotics teams (grades 7-12) and competition sponsors for equipment, fees, coach stipends, and competition expenses

Creates a five-member Robotics Funding Selection Committee with representatives from the Council on Postsecondary Education, KCTCS, Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, Office of Career and Technical Education, and Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation

Caps administrative costs at 5% of available funds or $75,000 (whichever is less) per fiscal year, and limits competition sponsor grants to $200,000 over any five-year period

Requires grant applicants to provide at least 25% matching funds (monetary or in-kind) and mandates teams commit to advanced manufacturing practices aligned with industry standards

Requires the Kentucky Department of Education to promulgate regulations by April 1, 2027 and submit annual reports to the Legislative Research Commission beginning August 1, 2027