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Public Land Search and Rescue Act of 2022
12/29/2022, 6:18 PM
Summary of Bill HR 8451
The main provisions of the bill include:
1. Establishing a grant program to provide funding to state and local agencies for search and rescue operations on public lands. This funding will help cover the costs of equipment, training, and personnel needed to conduct effective search and rescue missions. 2. Requiring the Secretary of the Interior to develop guidelines for coordinating search and rescue efforts between federal, state, and local agencies. This will help ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively during search and rescue operations. 3. Directing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the effectiveness of search and rescue operations on public lands and make recommendations for improving these operations. This study will help identify areas where resources can be better allocated to enhance search and rescue efforts. Overall, the Public Land Search and Rescue Act of 2022 aims to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of search and rescue operations on public lands in the United States. By providing funding, establishing guidelines, and conducting a study, this bill seeks to improve the safety and efficiency of search and rescue missions, ultimately saving lives and reducing the impact of emergencies on public lands.
Congressional Summary of HR 8451
Public Land Search and Rescue Act of 2022
This bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a program to allocate resources to remote search and rescue activities conducted on lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior.
DOJ may award a grant under the program to a state or a political subdivision to (1) purchase equipment and gear necessary for remote search and rescue activities, (2) reimburse such an eligible recipient for the cost of maintenance and repair of remote search and rescue equipment owned or leased by the recipient, and (3) reimburse state and local agencies responsible for remote search and rescue activities.
DOJ must prioritize an application from an eligible recipient who serves an area with a high ratio of visitors to residents.
The federal share of assistance under the program shall be 75% of the cost of an eligible project.
