(1) As used in this section, ‘urban search and rescue’ means the provision of technical rescue services involving location, extrication and initial medical stabilization of victims trapped in an urban area, including from structures or trenches collapsed due to natural disaster, war, terrorism or accidents.

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(2) The Department of the State Fire Marshal shall coordinate the urban search and rescue function of this state, including:

(a) Coordinating the activities of local, state and federal agencies involved in urban search and rescue;

(b) Establishing liaison with public and private organizations and agencies involved in urban search and rescue, including fire service providers and county sheriffs;

(c) Assisting in developing training and education programs; and

(d) Gathering and disseminating resource information of personnel, equipment and materials available for urban search and rescue.

(3) The department, on behalf of the State of Oregon, may solicit and accept gifts, grants, donations and other moneys from public and private sources for urban search and rescue purposes. Moneys received from such sources must be deposited in the State Fire Marshal Fund established under ORS § 476.055 and used for purposes related to urban search and rescue, subject to any restrictions or conditions established by the sources of such moneys. [2023 c.305 § 2]

Sections 5 and 6, chapter 305, Oregon Laws 2023, provide:

(1) The Department of the State Fire Marshal shall study the needs of this state related to urban search and rescue, as defined in section 2 of this 2023 Act [476.615].

(2) The study must include:

(a) An assessment of the organization structure needed for urban search and rescue; and

(b) Recommendations for funding urban search and rescue in this state.

(3) The department shall submit a report in the manner provided by ORS § 192.245, and may include recommendations for legislation, to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to emergency management no later than September 15, 2024. The department shall prepare to testify as to its findings before the appropriate committees of the Legislative Assembly during the 2024 regular session. [2023 c.305 § 5]

Section 5 of this 2023 Act is repealed on January 2, 2025. [2023 c.305 § 6]

GOVERNOR’S FIRE SERVICE POLICY COUNCIL