Public Land Search and Rescue Act

This bill would create a new grant program at the Interior Department to support remote search and rescue on federal lands, including lands managed by the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture. The program must start within one year after the bill becomes law. Grants can pay up to 75% of approved costs. The agency will give priority to places with lots of visitors compared to the number of local residents. States and local governments (or their designees) can apply, using forms and timelines set by the agency.

Key points

• Who is affected: States, local governments, and communities near popular federal lands; search-and-rescue responders who handle remote incidents.
• What changes: New grants for remote search and rescue; priority for high-tourism areas; federal cost share capped at 75%; applications follow agency rules.
• When: The program must be set up within one year after enactment.