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Committee advances aviation support grant bill to aid life‑saving helicopter units
Summary
House Bill 19-69, which would provide grants to aviation support units for maintenance, operations and search-and-rescue costs, was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation on Feb. 19, 2025; members emphasized the importance of aviation units in mountainous terrain.
The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee on Feb. 19, 2025, reported House Bill 19-69 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. The bill creates a grant program to support aviation support units — providing financial assistance primarily for maintenance and operations, with remaining funds available for search-and-rescue costs including training.
Representative Keaton said the bill is important for aviation units that perform life-saving work, particularly in high-mountain terrain above 8,000 feet that requires specialized training and equipment. "They do life saving work and there's very few helicopters available in the area to be able to cover the area that we're talking about," Keaton said. He added counties routinely cooperate across borders to provide coverage and that the program would help ensure they can continue that work.
Representative Paul, who said he hikes frequently, urged support and encouraged hikers to take precautions. "It's really important that we're helping to support these counties in their work to help, rescue people that have had accidents and tragedies," Paul said.
There were no amendments to the bill. The committee conducted a voice vote; staff announced the result as 12 ayes and one excused and reported House Bill 19-69 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.
