Bills

SB 2157: DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES; HIKING TRAILS; SEARCH AND RESCUE; SEARCH AND RESCUE SPECIAL FUND; MANDATORY REIMBURSEMENT; ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL; HEARING; COUNTIES; ADMINISTRATIVE RULES; TRESPASSING; MISDEMEANOR; FINES; APPROPRIATION

  • Session Year: 2025-2026
  • House: Senate

Current Status:

In Progress

(2026-01-22: Referred to WLA/PSM/EIG, WAM/JDC.)

Introduced

First Committee Review

First Chamber

Second Committee Review

Second Chamber

Final Decking

Enacted

Version:

Establishes the Search and Rescue Special Fund.  Requires government entities to seek reimbursement for all or a portion of search or rescue expenses when the person or entity knowingly enters state, county, or private property, knowingly enters a hiking trail that is closed to the public, or violates applicable laws, provided that the closure is posted by sign, barricade, or other device that gives reasonable notice of the closure.  Requires an administrative appeal hearing for an individual subject to cost reimbursement to contest the assessment.  Requires counties and the State Fire Council to adopt ordinances or rules as necessary to pursue reimbursements.  Raises the penalty for criminal trespass from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor under certain circumstances.  Imposes a fine on a person convicted of criminal trespass onto public parks and recreational grounds.  Appropriates funds.

News Coverage:

SB 2157: Department of Land and Natural Resources; Hiking Trails; Search and Rescue; Search and Rescue Special Fund; Mandatory Reimbursement; Administrative Appeal; Hearing; Counties; Administrative Rules; Trespassing; Misdemeanor; Fines; Appropriation | Digital Democracy