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Bill

Bill

SCR 84

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

SCR 84 establishes a working group to deter illegal hiking and reduce search and rescue costs, aiming to enhance public safety and alleviate financial burdens on local agencies.

Referred to WAL, FIN, referral sheet 27
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Bill Summary · SCR 84

Summary of SCR 84: Search and Rescue Working Group

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SCR 84
Title: Requesting the Department of Law Enforcement to Convene a Search and Rescue Working Group
Introduced: March 07, 2025
Status: Referred to WAL, FIN (referral sheet 27)
Classification: Concurrent Resolution
Subject: Department of Law Enforcement, Fees, Fines, Search and Rescue Working Group

Purpose and Intent

SCR 84 aims to address the increasing challenges faced by the state and counties due to illegal hiking activities. The bill requests the Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) to establish a working group focused on two primary objectives:
1. Deterring Hikers from Illegal Trails: Develop strategies and recommendations to discourage hikers from using unauthorized trails.
2. Addressing Rising Search and Rescue Costs: Propose solutions to mitigate the financial burden on state and county resources caused by increased search and rescue operations related to illegal hiking.

Key Provisions

  • Formation of a Working Group: The DLE will convene a working group that includes stakeholders from various sectors, including law enforcement, environmental agencies, and community representatives.
  • Recommendations Development: The working group will be tasked with creating actionable recommendations aimed at:
    • Enhancing public awareness about the dangers of illegal hiking.
    • Implementing measures to improve trail management and enforcement.
    • Exploring potential fee structures or fines for illegal trail usage to offset search and rescue costs.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill will impact hikers, local communities, and state agencies involved in search and rescue operations. It aims to protect public safety while also addressing the financial implications of illegal hiking activities.
  • Financial Considerations: By potentially introducing fees or fines, the bill seeks to create a funding mechanism to support search and rescue efforts, thereby alleviating some of the financial strain on state and county budgets.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 07, 2025: Bill offered.
  • March 11, 2025: Referred to EIG/PSM.
  • March 18, 2025: Public hearing scheduled for March 21, 2025.
  • March 21, 2025: The committees on EIG and PSM recommended the measure be passed unamended.
  • April 01, 2025: Report and resolution adopted and transmitted to the House.
  • April 10, 2025: Re-referred to WAL.

Related Legislation

  • Companion Bills: SR 67, HCR 124, SR 70.

SCR 84 represents a proactive approach to managing the challenges posed by illegal hiking and aims to enhance public safety while addressing the financial implications of search and rescue operations.

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

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