HOUSE BILL 225

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Jason C. Harper

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES; REQUIRING THE STATE TO SUBMIT INSURANCE CLAIMS FOR PERSONAL PROPERTY OF SEARCH AND RESCUE VOLUNTEERS DAMAGED IN THE COURSE OF AN AUTHORIZED MISSION.

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

     SECTION 1. Section 24-15A-5 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1978, Chapter 107, Section 5, as amended) is amended to read:

     "24-15A-5. STATE SEARCH AND RESCUE RESOURCE OFFICER-- POWERS AND DUTIES.--The state search and rescue resource officer shall, with the approval of the director:

          A. compile, maintain and disseminate an inventory of resources available in the state;

          B. compile, maintain and disseminate rosters of persons, agencies and organizations available for search and rescue purposes;

          C. develop a training program for the certification of search and rescue instructors and, by regulation, adopt a system of certification of search and rescue persons;

          D. act as contact agent for the state in search and rescue matters;

          E. develop and periodically review requirements for insurance coverage for search and rescue volunteers;

          F. coordinate the training of mission initiators and field coordinators; [and]

          G. maintain records of missions at the state SAR control agency; and

          H. submit to the risk management division of the general services department claims for coverage pursuant to Section 13-5-1 NMSA 1978 for damage to personal property of volunteers incurred in the course and scope of an authorized search and rescue mission."

     SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.--The effective date of the provisions of this act is July 1, 2019.

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