SENATE BILL 455

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Jeff Steinborn

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY; AMENDING THE SEARCH AND RESCUE ACT TO REQUIRE THE RISK MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO MAINTAIN AN INSURANCE POLICY THAT COVERS SEARCH AND RESCUE VOLUNTEERS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 24-15A-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1978, Chapter 107, Section 1) is amended to read:

     "24-15A-1. SHORT TITLE.--[This act] Chapter 24, Article 15A NMSA 1978 may be cited as the "Search and Rescue Act"."

     SECTION 2. A new section of the Search and Rescue Act is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE VOLUNTEERS.--The risk management division of the general services department shall maintain an accident insurance policy that covers search and rescue volunteers. The benefits of the policy shall, at a minimum, include:

          A. one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for the accidental death or dismemberment of a search and rescue volunteer that occurs during an authorized search and rescue mission or training exercise; and

          B. fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for medical expenses related to injuries that search and rescue volunteers incur during authorized search and rescue missions or training exercises."

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