MT HJ56

Requests an interim study of search and rescue services availability and funding in Montana, with results to be reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026

Montana lacks a statewide search and rescue program or coordinator; county sheriffs currently hold statutory authority for operations, with tribal authorities responsible within their jurisdictions

Current state reimbursement is capped at $12,000 per rescue operation regardless of the number of agencies involved, and only county sheriff operations qualify—excluding tribal search and rescue teams

Indigenous persons made up 30.6% of missing persons reported in 2023 despite being only 6.5% of Montana's population; 19 of 56 counties border or contain the state's seven Indian reservations

Study will examine updating reimbursement amounts, streamlining funding processes, addressing disparities affecting tribal operations, and potentially centralizing administration of search and rescue funding currently spread across multiple state agencies