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Bill

HB 49

AN ACT relating to professional engineering and land surveying scholarships.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by George Brown and 8 co-sponsors

Kentucky bill establishes scholarships for professional engineering and land surveying students to address workforce shortages and support technical education access.

signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 22)
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Bill Summary · HB 49

Legislative bill overview

HB 49 establishes a scholarship program to support students pursuing professional engineering and land surveying degrees in Kentucky. The bill aims to address workforce shortages in these technical fields by reducing financial barriers to entry and encouraging more students to pursue credentials in these professions.

Why is this important

Kentucky faces documented shortages of licensed professional engineers and surveyors, which can delay infrastructure projects, increase costs, and limit economic development. By creating financial incentives for education in these fields, the state seeks to build its technical workforce pipeline and reduce long-term skill gaps that affect both public projects and private industry.

Potential points of contention

  • Program funding source: The bill's mechanism for funding scholarships (state appropriation, fees, or other sources) is not detailed in available information, raising questions about fiscal impact and sustainability
  • Eligibility and repayment terms: Uncertainty about whether scholarships include service obligations, residency requirements, or repayment forgiveness if recipients leave Kentucky after graduation
  • Scope limitations: The bill's focus on only two professions may prompt questions about whether other critical technical fields (skilled trades, geology, etc.) deserve similar support

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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