(1) (a) The division shall conduct a study and develop recommendations on how to address the challenges associated with backcountry search and rescue in the state. At a minimum, the study must address: (I) How to improve and develop a sustainable structure for coordination among the state of Colorado, county sheriffs and local law enforcement agencies, public or nonprofit organizations that provide backcountry search and rescue services, and federal agencies; (II) The availability and adequacy of workers' compensation or other benefits for individuals who are injured in the course of providing backcountry search and rescue services, including as volunteers; (III) The availability and adequacy of retirement benefits for individuals who provide backcountry search and rescue services, including as volunteers; (IV) Compensation and reimbursement of expenses for volunteers who provide backcountry search and rescue services; (V) The availability of necessary equipment and the need for funding to obtain, maintain, and replace equipment and operate backcountry search and rescue teams; (VI) The physical and psychological impacts of providing backcountry search and rescue and the availability and adequacy of physical and psychological support and resources for individuals who provide backcountry search and rescue services, including as volunteers; (VII) Issues related to governmental immunity for volunteers who provide backcountry search and rescue services; (VIII) Training needs for volunteers involved in backcountry search and rescue; and (IX) The need for public outdoor safety education. (b) In conducting the study required by this subsection (1), the division shall consult with affected stakeholders, including county sheriffs, public and nonprofit backcountry search and rescue organizations, the department of public safety, the department of local affairs, the Colorado avalanche information center, local governments, and other entities affected by or involved with backcountry search and rescue. (c) The department shall report on the division's findings as part of the department's "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act" hearing required by section 2-7-203 in January 2022 to the rural affairs and agriculture committee of the house of representatives and the agriculture and natural resources committee of the senate, or their successor committees. (2) The division shall conduct outreach and training across the state on physical and psychological stress injuries and impacts faced by backcountry search and rescue volunteers. The outreach and training may include working with a qualified consultant to assess the physical and psychological needs of volunteers and provide training on recognizing and addressing those needs, developing a grant program for local government agencies or backcountry search and rescue organizations to provide physical and psychological support and training to volunteers, or developing other outreach, training, and services for backcountry search and rescue volunteers across the state.
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