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Bill

HB 1625

Supporting back country search and rescue organizations and volunteers through the creation of the back country search and rescue grant program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Barkis and 15 co-sponsors

Washington creates a state grant program funding backcountry search and rescue organizations and volunteers to strengthen emergency response in remote wilderness areas.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · HB 1625

Legislative bill overview

HB 1625 establishes a grant program to provide financial support to backcountry search and rescue (SAR) organizations and volunteers in Washington State. The bill aims to strengthen emergency response capabilities in remote and wilderness areas by funding operations, training, and equipment for these predominantly volunteer-based organizations.

Why is this important

Backcountry SAR operations are critical for wilderness safety but are typically underfunded and rely heavily on volunteers who donate time and resources. By creating dedicated state funding, the bill addresses a significant gap in emergency services coverage for outdoor recreation areas, potentially improving response times and rescue success rates while reducing financial burden on local communities and volunteers.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation and sources: Questions about budget availability, whether funds come from general revenue or dedicated sources, and how grants will be distributed among competing organizations across the state
  • Eligibility and oversight criteria: Lack of clarity on which organizations qualify, whether volunteer versus professional groups are prioritized, and what accountability measures ensure effective use of public funds
  • Scope and sustainability: Uncertainty about long-term commitment versus one-time funding, whether this covers all backcountry regions equitably, and how the program scales if demand exceeds available resources

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

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