Vermont Representative Troy Hedrick has introduced House Bill 654 to establish the Vermont Airspace Safety and Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Task Force, a 10-member panel designed to systematically investigate UFO sightings and ensure airspace safety. The task force would be co-chaired by the Department of Public Safety and the Agency of Transportation, incorporating experts from the Vermont National Guard, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, aviation, radar, and the Vermont Intelligence Center. The legislation explicitly defines UAP with precise physics-based criteria and includes both aerial and underwater objects. Vermont ranks as one of the leading states for reported UAP sightings, averaging about 88 sightings per 100,000 residents, highlighting a strong local impetus for this structured response.
The bill outlines procedural elements including a confidential reporting system for sightings, the establishment of a public-facing webpage, and mandatory annual reports to the Governor and legislative committees. The Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies is designated as the primary scientific analyst to provide external expertise while maintaining government oversight. Representative Hedrick has indicated that notable figures, such as former Navy and defense officials, are willing to testify before the Vermont House Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, emphasizing transparency and thorough evaluation. The task force would become operational by July 1, 2026, contingent on legislative approval during the current session.
This initiative reflects a broader national trend toward formalized study of unidentified aerial phenomena, moving beyond anecdotal reports to a more institutionalized approach integrating scientific and security perspectives. Vermont's unique geographical factors—including proximity to Canada and the presence of a military air wing—underscore airspace safety concerns. By establishing a structured investigative body, Vermont positions itself at the forefront of state-level engagement with UAPs, addressing public curiosity and defense implications while promoting data transparency and interagency cooperation.
Source: UFO News
