REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO CONVENE A SEARCH AND RESCUE WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO DETER HIKERS FROM ENTERING ILLEGAL HIKING TRAILS AND TO ADDRESS RISING SEARCH AND RESCUE COSTS FACING THE STATE AND COUNTIES DUE TO INCREASED ILLEGAL HIKING TRAFFIC.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 5 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution SR 70 forms a working group to deter illegal hiking in Arkansas, aiming to enhance safety and reduce rising search and rescue costs for local governments.

Certified copies of resolution sent, 05-31-24

#dle #fees #fines #searchandrescueworkinggroup

# Summary of Senate Resolution SR 70 ## Purpose and Intent Senate Resolution SR 70 aims to address the increasing challenges posed by illegal hiking trails in Arkansas. The resolution requests the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) to convene a working group focused on search and rescue operations. The primary goals are to develop recommendations that will deter hikers from using illegal trails and to mitigate the rising costs associated with search and rescue efforts due to increased illegal hiking traffic. ## Key Provisions - **Establishment of a Working Group**: The resolution calls for the formation of a Search and Rescue Working Group under the DLE. - **Recommendations Development**: The working group is tasked with creating strategies to discourage illegal hiking and to address the financial burdens on state and county resources due to search and rescue operations. - **Focus on Cost Management**: The resolution emphasizes the need to find solutions to manage and reduce the costs incurred by search and rescue missions, which have been escalating due to the rise in illegal hiking activities. ## Affected Parties - **Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts**: Individuals who engage in hiking, particularly those who may unknowingly use illegal trails, will be directly impacted by the recommendations developed by the working group. - **State and County Governments**: Local governments will benefit from strategies aimed at reducing the financial strain caused by search and rescue operations. - **Law Enforcement Agencies**: The DLE and other law enforcement bodies will play a crucial role in implementing the recommendations and managing the working group. ## Procedural Aspects - **Introduced**: April 10, 2025 - **Adoption**: The resolution was read for the third time and adopted on April 15, 2025. - **Certification**: Certified copies of the resolution were sent out on May 31, 2024. - **Legislative Actions**: The resolution underwent several legislative actions, including public hearings and committee recommendations, before its adoption. ## Conclusion Senate Resolution SR 70 represents a proactive approach to managing the challenges associated with illegal hiking trails in Arkansas. By establishing a working group to develop actionable recommendations, the resolution seeks to enhance public safety and reduce the financial impact on state and local resources due to search and rescue operations.