Committee sends search-and-rescue study to interim committee, citing reimbursement cap and tribal disparities

The House Judiciary Committee approved House Joint Resolution 56 to request an interim study of search-and-rescue services, funding and coordination in Montana.

Representative Braxton Mitchell, sponsor of HJ 56, said Montana's size and terrain create significant search-and-rescue challenges and described the current system as "very outdated and inconsistent." He told the committee the state caps reimbursement "at $12,000 per operation, no matter how complex or how many agencies are involved," and noted that tribal search-and-rescue teams often do not qualify for that funding despite responding disproportionately to missing-person cases.

Will Self, a proponent, told the committee tribal governments often lack access to reimbursement channels used by sheriff's offices, and he urged a study to modernize funding, coordination and training. Self also cited the state's special revenue balance and said funds could be better allocated to reimburse complex operations more fairly.

Committee members asked whether search-and-rescue fits within emergency management frameworks and whether existing training programs could be expanded. Representative Kametz suggested the study consider improving local contact points and multiple phone numbers so residents can reach response coordinators in rural areas; sponsor Mitchell said he was open to examining communications improvements and other recommendations.

The committee approved HJ 56 by voice vote; Chair announced the resolution had passed House Judiciary. The resolution will be assigned to an interim committee to study reimbursement rates, coordination structures, and training and to consider tribal access to funding.