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Lawmakers hear from hikers and Fish & Game on $200,000 search-and-rescue funding proposal
Summary
HB573 would appropriate $200,000 to a nonlapsing Fish & Game search-and-rescue account and authorize point-of-sale donation collection. Fish and Game testified the agency is currently meeting needs with license-derived funds and HikeSafe revenue but welcomed additional funding; supporters urged steady funding for life-saving services.
Representative David Love (Rockingham 13) introduced HB573, asking the committee to appropriate $200,000 into Fish and Game’s search-and-rescue account and to authorize point-of-sale donation collection. Love said the funds would provide a safety net if federal support or other resources were cut.
Several witnesses told personal stories about rescues to illustrate need. Representative Tony Weinstein described his own fall and how Fish and Game personnel and volunteers carried an injured hiker on a litter to waiting transport; he said “I can’t imagine what would have happened if I called and there is no one there to help.” Colonel Kevin…
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