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Judiciary committee approves study of Montana search-and-rescue funding and coordination
Summary
Lawmakers concurred in House Joint Resolution 56 to direct an interim study of Montana’s search-and-rescue system, prompted by concerns that a $12,000 per-operation reimbursement cap and uneven eligibility hinder volunteer teams, especially tribal responders.
Representative Braxton Mitchell opened the hearing on House Joint Resolution 56, saying Montana’s current search-and-rescue system is inconsistent, that some teams rely on private equipment, and that the state’s $12,000 reimbursement cap may be outdated and insufficient for complex operations.
Allen Doane of the Montana Department of Justice urged a do-pass recommendation and pointed to the statute that caps reimbursement and the revenue source (noting that 0.04% of motor-vehicle revenue funds the account). Doane cited a 2020 report showing nearly $1.4 million in the account and argued for a comprehensive legislative review of access rules and caps.
Committee members asked about the average cost of search-and-rescue efforts and whether tribal teams are eligible for reimbursement; the sponsor and proponents said costs vary widely by incident and that tribes may be disadvantaged under current rules. Senators discussed pockets of well-coordinated regional operations that use helicopters and more integrated funding.
The committee took a voice vote on concurrence for HJ56; the ayes prevailed and the committee concurred in HJ56. Senator Ricky was selected to carry the resolution.
