Summary
Connecticut state Rep. joe-hoxha (R-Bristol) introduced H.B. 5422, a bill directing the University of Connecticut to partner with state agencies to study UAP and explore establishing a dedicated state research center. The Appropriations Committee heard testimony on March 12, 2026. The bill has bipartisan support, co-sponsored by Rep. aundre-bumgardner (D-Groton), who cited national-security concerns tied to his district’s submarine-building role. Connecticut would become the second U.S. state to legislate UAP study, following New Jersey, which enacted a similar higher-education UAP center law effective January 2026. A Yale PhD student, Sri Tata, testified in favor, citing the 2024 New Jersey drone wave as a catalyst for academic interest. aaro’s 2024 report finding no evidence of alien technology is cited as background.
Key Claims
- H.B. 5422 would direct UConn to partner with state agencies to study UAP and explore a dedicated state center (bill text)
- New Jersey passed a law establishing a UAP research center in collaboration with higher education institutions, effective January 2026 (article background)
- The 2024 New Jersey drone wave drove renewed academic and public attention to UAP (Sri Tata)
- A committee member stated he has a colleague who investigates UAPs for the DoD, likely referencing aaro (Rep. Foncello)
Notable Quotes
“I’ve been a UFO enthusiast and researcher for many years. The topic is finally starting to be taken seriously, starting with the federal government.” — Joe Hoxha
“We should know if it’s coming from one of our adversaries.” — Aundre Bumgardner
“This is light years, no pun intended, more important than giving $50,000 to Jeep enthusiasts or, you know, festivals and things like that.” — Joe Hoxha