HB 24-1309 CO

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Became Law

The act 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) that voluntarily operates or arranges for the use of a helicopter, or assists as a helicopter crew member, during backcountry search and rescue operations (search and rescue operations), if the person: Arranges for the use of or operates, or assists as a crew member of, the helicopter on behalf of the governmental entity that is leading the 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; Is not compensated by the governmental entity for assisting in the search and rescue operation, other than reimbursement for actual expenses incurred; and Meets certain safety and training certifications and requirements. The act 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 act. The act establishes the airspace deconfliction working group within the department of public safety. The working group consists of representatives from the department of public safety, the department of military and veterans affairs, and county sheriffs' offices. The working group must develop guidelines for airspace deconfliction when there could be multiple aircraft involved in a search and rescue operation. APPROVED by Governor May 3, 2024 EFFECTIVE May 3, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

• Rick Taggart Republican · primary
• Elizabeth Velasco Democratic · primary
• Dylan Roberts Democratic · primary
• Janice Rich Republican · primary

1. May 3, 2024 Governor Signed · executive
2. Apr 25, 2024 Sent to the Governor · executive
3. Apr 25, 2024 Signed by the President of the Senate · upper
4. Apr 25, 2024 Signed by the Speaker of the House · lower
5. Apr 2, 2024 Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments · upper
6. Apr 1, 2024 Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments · upper
7. Mar 27, 2024 Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources Refer Unamended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole · upper
8. Mar 11, 2024 Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Agriculture & Natural Resources · upper
9. Mar 7, 2024 House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments · lower
10. Mar 6, 2024 House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee · lower
11. Mar 4, 2024 House Committee on Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole · lower
12. Feb 14, 2024 Introduced In House - Assigned to Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources · lower