Bill > SB5631

This bill creates a new back country search and rescue grant program to support search and rescue organizations and volunteers working in remote, hazardous areas. The bill first adds a definition of "back country search and rescue" to state law, describing it as a specialized subset of search and rescue that involves locating lost or injured persons in remote areas, requiring specialized training and equipment to assess dangerous terrain, provide medical care, and evacuate rescued individuals. The bill establishes a new back country search and rescue account in the state treasury, which will be funded through legislative appropriations, donations, and other public or private sources. The state military department will administer the grant program, with the ability to create rules in consultation with the emergency management council. Grants can be provided to search and rescue organizations to cover anticipated and incurred costs, including planning, equipment, training, exercises, and operations, as well as to political subdivisions that have back country search and rescue costs not reimbursable through other means. The overall purpose is to better support and resource volunteer search and rescue efforts in challenging and potentially life-threatening environments.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5631&Year=2025&Initiative=false