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LC 4482

Study resolution of search and rescue services and funding

2025 Regular Session

Montana directs study of statewide search and rescue services organization and funding sources to inform future policy decisions.

(LC) Draft Ready for Delivery
#emergencyanddisasterservices #legislature #interimstudies
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Bill Summary · LC 4482

Legislative bill overview

LC 4482 is a study resolution that directs Montana to examine the current state of search and rescue (SAR) services across the state and evaluate their funding mechanisms. The resolution appears designed to gather data and analysis on how SAR operations are currently organized, resourced, and coordinated before any potential legislative action.

Why is this important

Search and rescue operations are critical emergency services that often operate with limited and fragmented funding sources across counties, municipalities, and volunteer organizations. Understanding gaps, inefficiencies, or resource disparities could inform future policy decisions about standardizing funding, improving service coverage, or clarifying responsibility for SAR costs between state and local governments.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost responsibility: Clarifying whether SAR should be primarily state-funded, locally-funded, or cost-shared could shift financial burdens between government levels and taxpayers
  • Volunteer vs. professional staffing: The study may reveal tensions between relying on unpaid volunteers versus establishing paid SAR professionals, with implications for service quality and operational costs
  • Rural versus urban disparities: Analysis could expose significant differences in SAR capacity and funding between sparsely populated and densely populated areas, raising equity questions about service access

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

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