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House Considers User Fees to Help Fund Volunteer Search-and-Rescue; Bill Circled for Further Work
Summary
Representative Valentine introduced HB32 to create a grant-funded search-and-rescue support program financed by modest increases to hunting habitat fees, boat/ORV registrations, and an $80,000 general-fund appropriation. The bill was circled for further consideration; sponsors and members debated eligible uses and reimbursement for rental versus maintenance costs.
Representative Valentine presented House Bill 32 (described in the floor caption as a recreation-impact/search-and-rescue funding bill) and urged colleagues to support funding for volunteer search-and-rescue units. The sponsor said volunteers shoulder most costs and cited examples where multi-day searches required dozens of vehicles, aircraft, snowmobiles and other equipment, imposing substantial out-of-pocket and county expenses.
Under the sponsor’s explanation, HB32 would: add a…
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