False Alarms Put Price on Search and Rescue Operations
By Estefania Souza
BOSTON—State Rep., Stephen Kulik’s bill to modify the Massachusetts law regarding search and rescue operation expenses was passed by the Senate in January, but it has been stuck ever since. Kulik, D-Worthington, proposed to change the law (General Laws Chapter 6A Section 18L) so that in the future the government can be reimbursed for certain search and rescue operations.
Bill H00650 would directly affect the government and certain people. If the bill gets passed, two types of persons would be responsible for paying the cost of a search and rescue operation:
First, people who recklessly put themselves in a dangerous situation. “[One] reckless spelunker had to be rescued (for a second time!) at considerable cost to the town in money and personnel,” said Kulik. Cases like that—in which persons practically create the situation from which they have to be rescued—were what prompted him to propose the bill.
The other group affected by the bill includes people giving authorities false information that leads to search and rescue operations. The bill holds people who knowingly provide false alarms liable.
Under the bill, both groups would have to pay the operations. However, according to Kulik, no costs to the taxpayer will come from this bill. “There is no cost other than the nominal work needed to add up the costs expended for a response and sending a bill to the violator,” said Kulik.
However, the bill states that offenders will only be charged for an amount equal to the total cost of the operation—including salaries, equipment and fuel.
According to Kulik, no other bill of the sort has been filed in Massachusetts, but several states in the country have similar laws. For example, New Hampshire has a law that holds citizens, who because of negligent acts require search and rescue operations, accountable for the expenses of the operations.
Bill H00560 is yet to undergo a public hearing during which, according to Kulik, strong opposition may surface. “[But for now] local officials and public safety personnel who know about it are supportive,” said Kulik.
Bill H00650 would directly affect the government and certain people. If the bill gets passed, two types of persons would be responsible for paying the cost of a search and rescue operation:
First, people who recklessly put themselves in a dangerous situation. “[One] reckless spelunker had to be rescued (for a second time!) at considerable cost to the town in money and personnel,” said Kulik. Cases like that—in which persons practically create the situation from which they have to be rescued—were what prompted him to propose the bill.
The other group affected by the bill includes people giving authorities false information that leads to search and rescue operations. The bill holds people who knowingly provide false alarms liable.
Under the bill, both groups would have to pay the operations. However, according to Kulik, no costs to the taxpayer will come from this bill. “There is no cost other than the nominal work needed to add up the costs expended for a response and sending a bill to the violator,” said Kulik.
However, the bill states that offenders will only be charged for an amount equal to the total cost of the operation—including salaries, equipment and fuel.
According to Kulik, no other bill of the sort has been filed in Massachusetts, but several states in the country have similar laws. For example, New Hampshire has a law that holds citizens, who because of negligent acts require search and rescue operations, accountable for the expenses of the operations.
Bill H00560 is yet to undergo a public hearing during which, according to Kulik, strong opposition may surface. “[But for now] local officials and public safety personnel who know about it are supportive,” said Kulik.
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