Senate approves small surcharges, $80,000 appropriation to fund volunteer search-and-rescue equipment

On Feb. 28 the Utah Senate approved House Bill 32, a measure to create a modest funding stream for county search‑and‑rescue organizations and related equipment. Senator Stevenson, carrying the bill for Representative Valentine, described a personal rescue that underpinned the bill’s urgency and explained the mix of user surcharges and a state appropriation.

Stevenson told colleagues he had been rescued after an ankle injury and emphasized volunteers supply much of the equipment and labor: "We were so thankful that we carried that cellular phone...we were able to dial 911...we were put in touch with the volunteers of the sheriff search and rescue." He said the bill would not pay salaries but would help purchase group equipment like litters and items used in rescues.

The statute authorizes: a 25¢ annual surcharge on hunting and fishing licenses, a 50¢ annual surcharge on off‑highway vehicles and motorboats/sailboats, and an $80,000 appropriation from the general fund to cover users who cannot be charged through license mechanisms. The bill also creates a board to distribute the funds and set criteria.

Floor questions focused on equity (whether hunters/fishermen carry the largest burden), the coverage of snowmobile and ATV users, and how rural counties could participate. After debate the Senate moved HB32 to third reading and later recorded final passage; the roll call on third reading showed HB32 passed with 15 ayes, 5 nays and 9 absent and will be returned to the House for enrollment and final signature.

Supporters described the measure as a modest user‑fee approach to help pay for expensive rescue equipment; opponents and questioners urged careful attention to rural impacts and license‑printing logistics ahead of the statute’s 90‑day effective changes.