Americans for Safe Aerospace has submitted testimony in support of 

, legislation that would direct the University of Connecticut to conduct a comprehensive study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena and assess the feasibility of establishing a state research center dedicated to UAP analysis.

The bill, which is scheduled for public hearing before the Joint Appropriations Committee on March 12, 2026, represents a significant step toward state-level engagement with UAP as both an aerospace safety and research priority.

H.B. 5422 directs the University of Connecticut to conduct a study of UAP within available resources, with consultation from multiple state agencies including the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Office of Military Affairs. The study would examine the benefits of establishing a permanent state center for UAP research and identify the resources necessary to operate such a facility.

The university would be granted access to UAP-related data collected by state agencies and would be required to report findings to the General Assembly by July 1, 2027.

In a letter to the Joint Appropriations Committee

, ASA Executive Director Ryan Graves emphasized the urgent need for coordinated, multi-domain research on UAP across government and academic institutions.

"UAPs have gained increasing recognition in recent years as a potential threat to both aerospace safety and national security," Graves wrote. "Despite the growing interest, a coordinated research effort across different government agencies has not been established. A multi-domain approach would facilitate the pooling of resources, expertise, and data, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of UAPs and enabling the development of effective strategies to address them."

Graves, a former F/A-18F pilot who witnessed advanced UAP during his naval service, founded ASA to provide a trusted channel for pilots, military personnel, and government officials to report UAP encounters without fear of professional repercussions. State legislation like H.B. 5422 supports ASA's mission to reduce reporting stigma by bringing UAP into formal legislative debate and directing academic research on the topic.

The absence of coordinated UAP research at the federal level has created an opportunity for state legislatures to advance the field through academic partnerships and standardized reporting processes. Legislation introduced at the state level also plays a critical role in reducing the stigma that has historically prevented serious scientific engagement with UAP.

By directing a respected institution like the University of Connecticut to conduct formal research, H.B. 5422 signals that UAP is a legitimate subject for academic inquiry. This legitimization allows researchers to study the topic without fear of professional ridicule, helping to reduce stigma within the academic community and fostering an environment where credentialed scientists can apply rigorous methodologies to UAP analysis.

"State Legislatures can help through the adoption of policies like these to incentivize collegiate institutions to study UAP and by enabling standardized UAP reporting processes across state agencies," Graves noted in his testimony.

Connecticut's effort follows similar initiatives in other states, including 

New Jersey's creation of a $2.5 million UAP research center

 legislation. These state-level actions complement federal efforts while establishing regional frameworks for data collection and analysis.

f the bill advances through Joint Appropriations Committee, passes the Connecticut House and Senate, and receives the Governor's signature, the University of Connecticut study would begin on October 1, 2026, with a final report due to the General Assembly by July 1, 2027.

ASA encourages stakeholders in Connecticut's aerospace, academic, and government communities to support this legislation as a foundation for rigorous, scientific UAP research. Connecticut residents are encouraged to reach out to their state representatives to voice support for evidence-based UAP research. Find your legislators at 

State legislatures and local governments interested in introducing similar UAP research initiatives can contact ASA for resources, testimony support, and policy guidance at support@safeaerospace.org.

ASA Supports Connecticut Legislation to Establish UAP Research Study