HI HR69

Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to convene a working group to determine circumstances under which government entities should be reimbursed for search and rescue services for trail users and what constitutes proper public notice of illegal trail presence.

Working group may include representatives from the Department of Attorney General, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, county fire and police departments, county emergency medical services and land management agencies, county prosecuting attorneys, recreational hunting organizations, trail user groups, and trail access advocacy groups.

Working group is requested to determine whether trail users requiring search and rescue services should reimburse government entities for all or part of expenses, including consideration of whether the user's presence was illegal.

Working group is requested to evaluate the feasibility of creating and posting a list of legal hikes on county or state websites with maps and descriptions, and whether such a list can serve as proper public notice of illegal hiking areas for penalty purposes.

Working group is requested to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2023 Regular Session.