H1200 Summary

• Establishes an urban search and rescue (USAR) program administered by the Division of Emergency Management that contracts with local government teams to provide 24-hour dispatch and technical rescue capabilities statewide.

• Requires the Secretary of Public Safety to adopt rules governing USAR program operations, including training and equipment standards, dispatch guidelines, personnel qualifications, cost recovery procedures, and bidding criteria.

• Creates the Urban Search and Rescue Team Advisory Committee with representatives from emergency management, fire services, Highway Patrol, National Guard, and rescue organizations to advise the Secretary on program implementation and identify additional team needs.

• Authorizes contracts with local government units to provide contract response teams, with the state reimbursing personnel costs, equipment use, training expenses, and damaged materials but not standby time.

• Appropriates $100,000 in recurring general funds to the Department of Public Safety for fiscal year 2014-2015 to support the program, effective July 1, 2014.