State Rep. Chris Lewis, R-Louisville, plans to introduce legislation during the 2026 General Assembly that would create a robotics program trust fund within the State Treasury, aimed at expanding hands-on technology education for high school students across Kentucky.

Under the proposal, funds would be distributed through competitive grants to support programs that emphasize experiential learning, community partnerships, and exposure to career pathways in robotics, advanced manufacturing, machining, and fabrication. The initiative is designed to strengthen connections between education and the skills increasingly demanded by modern industries.

“Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing and fabrication are quickly taking the forefront in our economy,” Lewis said. “Our high school students should have access to pathways and programs that provide first-hand experiences with these technologies and techniques to ensure that they, and our state, have the ability to meet modern workforce demands.”

The measure would also establish a Robotics Funding Selection Committee to oversee implementation and administration of the program. The proposed trust fund would be supported by a mix of public and private revenue sources, including state appropriations, gifts, grants, federal funds, and investment income.

According to Lewis, grant awards would be made through an application process designed to prioritize advanced manufacturing robotics programs, maximize the number of student teams receiving support, and ensure broad geographic distribution of funding throughout the commonwealth.

“Our students’ future career opportunities are defined by the technological advancement of industries today,” Lewis said. “We must ensure that Kentucky plays a leading role in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and that our students have every opportunity to take advantage of the new workforce landscape.”

The Kentucky General Assembly is scheduled to convene in Frankfort on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, for its regular session. Lawmakers are expected to introduce hundreds of bills and resolutions during the 60-day session, which will conclude on April 15. A primary responsibility of the legislature will be passage of the state budget for the two-year fiscal period beginning July 1, 2026.

Kentucky Lawmaker Proposes Robotics Program Trust Fund Ahead of 2026 Session

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