STATE OF NEW JERSEY
222nd LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2026 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman LUANNE M. PETERPAUL
District 11 (Monmouth)
Assemblywoman MARGIE DONLON, M.D.
District 11 (Monmouth)
SYNOPSIS
Makes FY2025 supplemental appropriation of $10 million for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
A Supplement to the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, P.L.2024, c.22.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. In addition to the amounts appropriated under P.L.2024, c.22, the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, there is appropriated from the General Fund the following amount for the purpose specified:
66 DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
10 Public Safety and Criminal Justice
19 Central Planning, Direction and Management
GRANTS-IN-AID
13-1005 Homeland Security and Preparedness .............. $10,000,000
Total Grants-in-Aid Appropriation,
Central Planning, Direction and Management $10,000,000
Grants-in-Aid:
13 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program ($10,000,000)
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
The bill supplements the FY2025 appropriations act by appropriating $10 million to the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to create a grant program for State and local officials to purchase equipment or training necessary to address sightings of unidentifiable Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones.
The recent surge in mass sightings of UAS and unexplained usage of this technology in national airspace is disconcerting to the citizens of New Jersey and a potential threat to critical infrastructure.
This supplemental appropriation provides needed funds to support State and local law enforcement in safeguarding vital assets and ensuring strict adherence to all regulations and requirements associated with UAS ownership and operation in New Jersey.