Bill > HR373

This bill, the Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act, directs the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a process for eligible organizations and individuals to gain expedited access to federal lands for "good Samaritan search-and-recovery missions," which are defined as searches for missing individuals believed to be deceased. The bill outlines procedures for approving or denying these requests within 48 hours, requiring the government to provide reasons for denial and steps to rectify any issues. It clarifies that those conducting these missions are not considered federal volunteers and are not covered by certain federal liability or compensation acts, such as the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Federal Employees Compensation Act, provided they acknowledge these provisions and sign a waiver releasing the federal government from liability and agreeing to indemnify it. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Secretaries develop partnerships with search-and-recovery organizations to better coordinate and accelerate these missions on federal lands.