49E164C7CDC11AF287258823005CF237 Hearing Summary

Senator Rankin and Senator Donovan, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 22-168 to the committee. Effective January 1, 2023, this bill transfers the functions of the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) related to backcountry search and rescue to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in the Department of Natural Resources. All staff and appropriations to DOLA related to the backcountry search and rescue card program and the related cash fund are transferred to CPW. On or after January 1, 2023, the Parks and Wildlife Commission is required to establish by rule, the price and vendor fee for the backcountry search and rescue card, and the surcharge on other licenses that is credited to the program cash fund. Under current law, these amounts are set in statute. The bill extends the existing immunity from civil liability for volunteer firefighters and incident management teams to individuals engaged in backcountry search and rescue efforts. Finally, this bill makes a dependent of a person who died or was permanently disabled while engaged in backcountry search and rescue efforts eligible for free tuition and room and board assistance at public institutions of higher education.

Senator Donovan responded to questions from the committee.

Alice Horgan, representing the Department of Natural Resources, testified in support of the bill. Heather Dugan, representing CPW, testified in support of the bill. Jeff Sparhawk, representing Colorado Search and Rescue Association, testified in support of the bill.

The panel responded to questions from the committee.

Rio Blanco County Sheriff Anthony Mazzola, representing County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Donovan presented amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

Senators Rankin and Donovan wrapped up their presentation of the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.