H.B. 830 Summary

• State Parks Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources shall conduct a feasibility study on employing residential caretakers at high-use hiking trails to assist hikers and reduce rescue operations.

• Feasibility study must analyze potential benefits, including whether residential caretakers would prevent incidents requiring hiker rescues.

• Study shall include cost projections for housing, compensation, and benefits for residential caretakers, and identify the most effective trail locations for placement.

• Study shall consider the National Park Service's model for a resident workforce.

• Department must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020 regular legislative session.