SALT LAKE CITY -- A proposed bill at the Legislature would allow hikers, bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts to buy a card to help fund search and rescue operations around Utah.
The cards would be voluntary and in no way guarantee rescues for those who buy them. They would add funds to an existing pot of money that Utah sheriff's offices use to reimburse search and rescue expenses.
A one-year card would be $3 and a five-year card would be $12. Senate Bill 60, sponsored by Monroe Republican Sen. Ralph Okerlund, says the card could be bought by backpackers, hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers and anyone else who uses Utah's backcountry.
Colorado has sold a similar card since 2002. It raised about $439,000 for search and rescues during the last fiscal year.
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