WeVote
Log In

Bill

MD

Bill

A 5162

Makes FY2025 supplemental appropriation of $10 million for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Donlon and 1 co-sponsor

Provides a one-time $10 million General Fund grant for a state/local Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program to address drone sightings and threats.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
#aviation #pubsafety #supplapprop
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5162

Summary of Bill A 5162 (New Jersey)

Overview

  • Bill Number: A 5162
  • Title: Makes FY2025 supplemental appropriation of $10 million for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program
  • Purpose: Provides a supplemental, one-time appropriation to support a state and local UAS (drone) grant program to address sightings and potential threats from unidentified or unreliable unmanned aircraft systems.
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee. Later actions show referral to Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development on February 12, 2025.
  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • Sponsors: Primary — Karl Brabenec
  • Related Bills: S 4029 (companion); other related bills exist in prior sessions (S 3986, A 10197, A 5643, A 5573)

What the Bill Would Do

  • Primary Action: Supplement the FY2025 appropriations act (P.L.2024, c.22) by adding a $10,000,000 General Fund appropriation to support a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program within the Department of Law and Public Safety.
  • Funding Source: General Fund, under Grants-in-Aid. Specifically:
    • Department of Law and Public Safety → Public Safety and Criminal Justice
    • Central Planning, Direction and Management
    • Grants-in-Aid: Homeland Security and Preparedness (Code 13-1005)
    • Total Grants-in-Aid for the program: $10,000,000
    • Program designation: Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program ($10,000,000)

Key Provisions and Provisionsed Impacts

  • Program Purpose: Create a grant mechanism to help state and local officials purchase equipment or training needed to address sightings or incidents involving Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including drones.
  • Scope of Use: Equipment purchases and training to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure compliance with all UAS regulations in New Jersey.
  • Administration: Funds are to be administered as part of the existing FY2025 appropriations act, reinforcing public safety and homeland security readiness related to UAS activity.
  • Effective Date: The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected Parties

  • Primary Beneficiaries: State and local law enforcement and public safety agencies in New Jersey responsible for homeland security and UAS management.
  • Stakeholders: Border, aviation, and critical infrastructure operators; UAS operators subject to state regulations; entities receiving grants for equipment and training.

Fiscal and Procedural Details

  • Fiscal Nature: One-time supplemental appropriation for FY2025.
  • Legal Reference: Supplements the annual FY2025 appropriations act (P.L.2024, c.22).
  • Effective Date: Immediate effect after enactment.
  • Process: Introduced in the Assembly, then referred to relevant committees (initially Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology; later to Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development) as part of the standard committee review process.

Context and Rationale

  • The bill responds to concerns about a surge in UAS sightings and their potential misuse in national airspace, which could threaten public safety and critical infrastructure. The proposed program aims to bolster state and local capacity to detect, deter, and respond to such incidents through equipment and training, while ensuring compliance with state UAS regulations.

Quick Take

  • A 5162 would provide a one-time $10 million grant to fund a New Jersey UAS program under Homeland Security and Preparedness, administered by the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness within the Department of Law and Public Safety, to assist state and local agencies in addressing drone-related sightings and threats. The measure is a supplemental addition to the FY2025 budget and takes effect immediately if enacted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.