PLEASE NOTE: Legislative Information cannot perform research, provide legal advice, or interpret Maine law. For legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney.
An Act To Require Reimbursement for Search and Rescue Operations
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §10105, sub-§4, ¶D,  as affected by PL 2003, c. 614, §9 and amended by c. 655, Pt. B, §22 and affected by §422, is further amended to read:
 
D.  The commissioner mayshall recover all costs directly related to a specific search and rescue operation:
 
(1) From the person for whom the search and rescue operation was conducted unless that person either holds a valid license or registration issued under this Part for outdoor recreational activities or holds a valid Maine Rescue Card issued under section 10108, subsection 12; or
 
(2) If a person knowingly provided false information that led to a search and rescue operation, from the person who provided that false information.
Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §10108, sub-§12  is enacted to read:
 
12.  Maine Rescue Card program.     The commissioner shall develop and administer a Maine Rescue Card that insures the holder against costs that may be incurred by the State for search and rescue operations carried out on behalf of that person. The fee for the card is $20 annually.
 
SUMMARY
This bill establishes the Maine Rescue Card program, which insures the holder against costs that may be incurred by the State for search and rescue operations carried out on behalf of the holder. The fee for the card is $20 annually.
This bill also requires the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to recover the costs directly related to a specific search and rescue operation from the person for whom the search and rescue operation was conducted unless that person either holds a Maine Rescue Card or a valid license or registration for outdoor recreational activities issued by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.