The bill H.654, introduced by Representative Headrick of Burlington, aims to establish the Vermont Airspace Safety and Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Task Force. This Task Force will be responsible for evaluating reports of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), assessing airspace and public safety risks, and coordinating with various stakeholders, including federal agencies and academic institutions. The bill outlines the Task Force's purpose, which includes improving incident reporting and response, as well as developing recommendations for better transparency and scientific analysis of UAP incidents. The Task Force will consist of ten members, including representatives from the Department of Public Safety, the Agency of Transportation, and various other sectors.
The bill also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU), which will provide scientific and technical assistance to the Task Force. The Task Force is mandated to hold public meetings, maintain transparency through a public web page, and submit annual reports detailing its findings and recommendations. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not supersede the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over airspace and aviation safety. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.