Public Land Search and Rescue Act

HR 439, the Public Land Search and Rescue Act, creates a federal grant program to fund remote search and rescue operations on public lands managed by the Departments of Interior or Agriculture. The program provides 75% federal funding for eligible state or local agencies to purchase or maintain specialized equipment, cover maintenance costs, or reimburse agencies conducting these operations. Grants prioritize areas with high visitor-to-resident ratios, focusing on locating and assisting people lost or stranded in remote locations. The bill directly supports search and rescue teams operating on public lands by providing resources for equipment and operational costs.