This bill amends RSA 206:42 to establish a Fish and Game Search and Rescue Fund, which will receive an additional fee of $1 for each private boat, off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV), and snowmobile registered. Furthermore, the state treasurer is mandated to credit up to $200,000 annually from the general fund to this search and rescue fund. If the funds from both the additional fees and the general fund are insufficient for search and rescue operations, the executive director of the fish and game department can certify the shortfall to the state treasurer, who will then allocate the necessary funds from the general fund. The bill also stipulates that the special fund will be nonlapsing and continually appropriated for search and rescue operations, including salaries, training, and equipment.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $50,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, to invest in technology that will facilitate the solicitation and collection of donations for the search and rescue fund. The executive director is authorized to invest in such technology, and any donations collected will be credited to the fund. The fish and game department is required to report quarterly on the expenditures from the fund, detailing search and rescue operations and the remaining balance. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 206:42