Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image credit: ASA

The ongoing investigation and study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) has received a legislative boost.

UAP legislation has been submitted to the Vermont legislature to create a state level, 10-person UAP task force.

The Vermont bill establishes a statewide task force to scientifically evaluate unidentified aerial activity. The bill assigns responsibility for the scientific analysis of reported aerial activity to the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU).

Proactive, science-driven approach

“SCU would be involved in supporting the task force for all scientific and technical issues,” explains Robert Powell, an executive board member of the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies. “We feel that if we can get enough states involved then we hope that will open a new method of obtaining UAP information,” he told Inside Outer Space.

Image credit: SCU

Vermont is taking a proactive, science-driven approach to public and aviation safety with the introduction of H.654, legislation creating a statewide framework to evaluate and respond to unusual aerial activity. This includes drones, balloons, and other objects that could affect aviation, infrastructure, or public safety.

Transparency

“As aerial activity grows nationwide, states are encountering new challenges that require proactive solutions,” said Representative Troy Headrick (I-Burlington), the bill’s sponsor. “H.654 ensures Vermont is prepared. It gives our state the tools to respond responsibly, with science, transparency, and collaboration guiding every decision.”

“While most reports turn out to be ordinary objects, a few may reveal phenomena we do not yet fully understand,” Powell said in a SCU statement. “Vermont’s framework ensures that every report is handled thoughtfully, with science and public safety guiding every step.”

The bill will be considered by the Vermont House Government Operations Committee today, January 16.

Artistic image of UAP over New Jersey coast.
Image credit: ASA

Multi-agency collaboration

Also welcoming the UAP Vermont bill is Americans for Safe Aerospace (ASA), pledging its support for the legislation.

Ryan Graves, ASA’s founder and executive director, said that Vermont’s approach “recognizes that coordinated airspace safety requires technical expertise, multi-agency collaboration, and transparent reporting mechanisms.”

The Vermont bill follows New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signing Assembly Bill 5712, making New Jersey the first state to establish dedicated funding for university-based UAP research. It was signed into law by Governor Murphy on January 12, 2026.

“Vermont and New Jersey’s legislation reflects a broader shift toward state-level UAP reporting infrastructure that addresses gaps in federal action,” explains an ASA posting. “While Congressional hearings and UAP disclosure provisions have created momentum, actual research funding and systematic data collection remain limited at the federal level. State-level action fills that gap.”

For more information on UAP and the new state-supported activity, go to:

Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU) at: https://www.explorescu.org/

Americans for Safe Aerospace (ASA) at: https://www.safeaerospace.org/