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Committee advances bill to create backcountry search-and-rescue grant program after amendment
Summary
The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee on Feb. 19 voted to report House Bill 16-25 out of committee with a due-pass recommendation after adopting an amendment that shifts language from “specialized training” to “expertise” and directs grant prioritization to frontier, rural and distressed counties.
The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee reported out House Bill 16-25 on Feb. 19, 2025, recommending the bill for passage after adopting an amendment that changes eligibility language and sets geographic priorities.
Martha Whaling, staff to the committee, said the bill would create a backcountry search-and-rescue grant program to support volunteer search-and-rescue organizations by covering volunteers’ costs, equipment and training and that political subdivisions would receive funds only if they cannot obtain other sources. "House Bill 16 25 creates a backcountry search and rescue grant program," Whaling said.
Representative Waters, sponsor of amendment WALE 2 2 1, described the change as cleanup language and urged members to vote yes. "The language cleans this up just a little bit and gets it to those who are in need most," Waters said. The amendment replaces the phrase "specialized training" with "expertise" and directs the military department to prioritize grants for frontier and rural counties and distressed areas. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote.
Representative Clobagh, who spoke in support of the bill, said the measure would allow creation of an account that could accept private donations to assist search-and-rescue units. "I worried a little bit about the financial note given this year. But, am feeling a little bit better about that given that it sort of creates a fund that can be funded by private dollars," Clobagh said.
Vice Jacoba moved that the adopted amendment be incorporated into substitute House Bill 16-25 and that the bill be reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. The committee reported the substitute bill out with a due-pass recommendation. Staff announced the vote as 12 ayes and one excused.
The bill was discussed in relation to House Bill 19-69, which also concerns search-and-rescue support but focuses on aviation support units; committee staff clarified that HB 16-25 funds volunteer organizations while HB 19-69 supports aviation units.
By committee action, substitute House Bill 16-25 was reported out with a due-pass recommendation.
