HF 2703 Summary

• Commissioner of education must establish a competitive grant program for schools providing kindergarten through grade 12 students with expanded opportunities to improve mathematics, science, and technology skills through robotics programs and competitions.

• School districts, charter schools, and home-based educational programs are eligible to apply for grants that may fund operational costs, robotics coach stipends up to $1,000 per applicant, and competition-related expenses including registration, materials, travel, and preparation costs.

• Grant recipients must submit outcome reports by January 15, 2026, describing how the robotics program enhances college and career readiness of participants.

• Commissioner of education must submit a written report by January 15, 2025, to legislative committee chairs identifying grant recipients and summarizing their planned grant-funded activities.

• Unspecified amounts from the general fund are appropriated to the commissioner of education for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to support competitive robotics programs.