KY HB763

Establishes the Kentucky Future Leaders of Water (FLOW) Program to support workforce development for public water and wastewater systems through apprenticeships and utility manager accreditation training.

Provides reimbursement up to $2,500 per employee for utility manager accreditation costs and reserves up to 50 accreditation awards per year.

Supports up to 50 apprenticeship placements annually with reimbursements including: wage subsidies up to $16,000 per apprentice per year (50% of wages, capped at $8/hour), $2,500 for technical instruction, $1,000 for licensure/testing, $1,000 for mentor stipends, and $1,500 for safety gear and travel.

Creates the Kentucky FLOW Program Fund in the State Treasury, appropriates $1,347,500 in General Fund moneys for each fiscal year of the 2026-2028 biennium, with unexpended funds carrying forward rather than lapsing.

Takes effect July 1, 2026 under emergency declaration, with annual reports required starting September 1, 2027 covering apprentice numbers, completion rates, and fund expenditures.