HB 23-1238

House Bill 23-1238, also known as Protection For Helicopter Search And Rescue, provides legal protection from civil liability for volunteers and organizations that use helicopters in search and rescue operations. This means that these groups won't be held responsible for damages or injuries unless they are grossly negligent or act with willful misconduct. The bill applies to individuals and entities who work with government agencies under specific conditions, such as having proper licensing, safety certifications, and agreements in place. Since the bill has been signed into law, volunteers involved in search and rescue operations now have legal protection when using helicopters, provided they meet all specified requirements.

Official Summary

The bill extends immunity from civil liability for damage or injury, other than that which arises from gross negligence or willful misconduct, to an individual, nonprofit organization, for-profit corporation, private organization, or other person (person), acting as a volunteer, that assists a governmental entity through the use of a helicopter as part of a rescue unit or backcountry search and rescue operations (search and rescue operations) if the person: Arranges or operates the helicopter on behalf of the governmental entity that is leading a search and rescue operation; Has an agreement with the governmental entity; Is, employs, or otherwise contracts with a pilot that is properly licensed to operate the helicopter; Meets certain safety and training certifications and requirements; and Is in compliance with all requirements of the federal aviation administration. The bill also establishes criteria that volunteer helicopter pilots and the helicopters used in search and rescue operations must satisfy in order for the volunteer helicopter owner or operator to qualify for immunity under the bill. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)