Bill > HB1625

This bill establishes a new back country search and rescue grant program to support search and rescue organizations and volunteers operating in remote, hazardous terrains. The bill defines "back country search and rescue" as a specialized subset of search and rescue that involves locating lost, injured, or deceased persons in remote areas, requiring specific expertise and equipment to assess dangerous terrain, provide emergency medical care, and safely evacuate or transport rescued individuals. The program will create a dedicated state treasury account to receive legislative appropriations, donations, and grants, with funds prioritized for frontier, rural, and economically distressed counties. Grants can be used by search and rescue organizations to cover costs related to planning, equipment, training, exercises, and operations, as well as by political subdivisions to support back country search and rescue activities that are not reimbursable through other means. The state military department will administer the program and may develop rules in consultation with the emergency management council, subject to available funding.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1625&Year=2025&Initiative=false