WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 185

IDAHO STATE POLICE – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the catastrophic search subaccount in the Search and Rescue Fund.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 185 boosts reimbursement for Idaho sheriff's search and rescue missions from $4,000 to $8,000, enhancing emergency response capabilities statewide.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 31, 2025 Session Law Chapter 219 Effective: 07/01/2025
#emergencies #funds #lawenforcement #police #idahostate #safety
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 185

Summary of House Bill H 185

Title

IDAHO STATE POLICE – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the catastrophic search subaccount in the Search and Rescue Fund.

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: H 185
  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Status: Reported Signed by Governor on March 31, 2025
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025
  • Session Law Chapter: 219
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Emergencies, Funds, Law Enforcement, Police, Idaho State, Safety

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 185 aims to amend Idaho Code section 67-2913, which governs the Search and Rescue Fund. The primary intent of this legislation is to revise the provisions related to the catastrophic search subaccount, specifically increasing the reimbursement limits for sheriff's offices involved in search and rescue operations.

Key Provisions

  1. Reimbursement Increase:

    • The maximum reimbursement for search and rescue missions conducted by county sheriff's offices is increased from $4,000 to $8,000 per mission.

  2. Subaccount Structure:

    • The Search and Rescue Fund will continue to be divided into four subaccounts:
      • Cost Reimbursement Subaccount
      • Training Subaccount
      • Catastrophic Search Subaccount
      • Equipment Purchase Matching Subaccount

  3. Claim Process:

    • Claims for reimbursement by sheriff's offices will be submitted quarterly. The reimbursement process will be as follows:
      • The first $8,000 of a claim will be reimbursed from the cost reimbursement subaccount.
      • Any amount exceeding $8,000 will be reimbursed from the catastrophic search subaccount.
    • If funds in the catastrophic search subaccount are insufficient to cover all claims, reimbursements will be made on a pro-rata basis.

  4. Investment of Funds:

    • The state treasurer is required to invest all moneys in the Search and Rescue Fund, with interest and proceeds returned to the fund.

  5. Technical Corrections:

    • The bill includes technical corrections to ensure clarity and accuracy in the language of the law.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • The primary beneficiaries of this bill are county sheriff's offices that conduct search and rescue operations, as they will receive increased financial support for their efforts.
    • The legislation also indirectly benefits the public by enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies in emergency situations.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • According to the fiscal note, this legislation will not result in any increase or decrease in revenue or additional expenditures at the state or local government levels.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 10, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to Judiciary & Rules.
  • March 31, 2025: Signed by the Governor; effective July 1, 2025.
  • Throughout March 2025: The bill passed through various readings and amendments in both the House and Senate, ultimately receiving unanimous support.

Conclusion

House Bill H 185 represents a significant update to Idaho's Search and Rescue Fund, enhancing the financial support available to sheriff's offices for search and rescue operations. By increasing reimbursement limits and ensuring a structured claim process, the bill aims to improve emergency response capabilities across the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.