Senate Bill 353 (SB 353):  This bill amends the Search and Rescue Act to establish new protocols for coordinating search and rescue (SAR) operations among federal, state, and local responders. 

 Senate Bill 353 (SB 353):  The following streamline approach seeks to improve response times and resource deployment when people are lost, stranded, or otherwise in need of urgent search and rescue assistance in New Mexico.
1. Clarification of Terms and Definitions (Section 1)
New Definition – “SAR Emergency”: An incident where urgent SAR assistance is needed, such as when someone is lost, injured, or stranded in a situation requiring immediate help.
Other Definitions: 
Existing terms in the Act (e.g., “state SAR control agency,” “field coordinator,” “mission”) remain largely the same, with minor updates to align with the new “SAR emergency” term.
2. Standardized Notification and Training (New Section – Section 2)
Establishes Standardized Criteria:
The state SAR resource officer (part of the Department of Public Safety) must work with local, state, and federal responders to create clear guidelines on when and how to notify the state SAR control agency (the New Mexico State Police) about a potential SAR emergency.
Training for Emergency Personnel:
The state SAR resource officer must train emergency dispatchers, 911 operators, and other responders in how to follow these new reporting protocols.
Mandatory Prompt Notification:
If a federal, state, or local agency receives a request for help that may require search and rescue, they must promptly notify the state SAR control agency—unless there is already a memorandum of agreement in place specifying a different procedure.
This notification requirement doesn’t block or delay any other agency (like local fire departments, law enforcement, or EMS) from responding immediately.
3. Notification to Relevant Agencies (New Section – Section 3)
After the state SAR control agency is informed about a SAR emergency, it must quickly let the requesting agency and other relevant agencies (including federal land management agencies if the incident is on their land) know:
Whether the state is deploying SAR resources; or
If the decision is made not to deploy state SAR resources, the requestor must be notified of that decision.
4. Effective Date (Section 4)
The provisions of this bill take effect on January 1, 2026.
Practical Effect of the Bill
Standard Protocols: 
Creates a uniform process ensuring that whenever a search and rescue event happens, the state SAR agency is promptly informed and can decide whether to send its resources.
Better Coordination: 
Encourages coordination between multiple jurisdictions (federal, state, local) so that rescue efforts are not delayed or duplicated.
Clarity for Responders: 
Dispatchers and other emergency personnel receive formal training on when and how to call in state-level SAR resources.
Flexibility Maintained: 
Existing local or regional memorandums of agreement remain valid, but in their absence, the new protocols serve as the default procedure.
 

 The state search and rescue resource officer shall be a noncommissioned employee. C. The state search and rescue resource officer shall be the chief administrator of the state search and rescue plan.   [...]  D. act as contact agent for the state in search and rescue matters; E. develop and periodically review requirements for insurance coverage for search and rescue volunteers;   [...]  The 2019 amendment, effective July 1, 2019, required the state search and rescue officer to submit insurance claims for search and rescue volunteers’ personal property damaged during the course of an authorized mission; and added Subsection H. 

 Amended March 14, 2025, in HGEIC

HGEICa/SB 353:  The Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee referred Senate Bill 353 to the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee.  Recommendation is to pass the bill with the following amendments:

1.  On page 4, line 2, strike "service" and insert in lieu thereof "safety".
 2.  On page 4, line 7, strike "service" and insert in lieu thereof "safety".,
 and thence referred to the JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.
 

 Committee Substitute March 5, 2025, in STBTC.
STBTCcs/SB 353:  This proposed legislation enhances New Mexico’s Search and Rescue (SAR) system by clarifying protocols, responsibilities, and coordination between federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. The following is a summary of the key provisions:
1. Standardized Search and Rescue (SAR) Emergency Response Criteria
The Department of Public Safety (DPS), acting as the State SAR Control Agency, must:
•	Consult with emergency responders (federal, state, local, tribal, volunteer SAR groups).
•	Develop standardized criteria for reporting SAR emergencies.
•	Regularly review and update the criteria through stakeholder input.
Training Requirements:
•	The State SAR Resource Officer must train emergency responders, 911 dispatch centers, and SAR volunteers on when and how to report a SAR emergency.
2. Emergency Notification & Coordination Process - Who must notify DPS?
•	Local/state emergency responders (law enforcement, fire departments, EMS).
•	911 public service answering points (dispatch centers).
•	Federal/tribal emergency responders, unless they have their own SAR agreements.
When must DPS be notified?
•	Immediately when a SAR emergency arises, and state resources may be needed.
Does this delay other emergency responders?
•	No. Other agencies (fire, police, EMS) can still respond while notifying DPS.
3. DPS Responsibilities After Notification - Once notified of a SAR emergency, DPS must:
•	Alert the requesting agency that state SAR resources are responding.
•	Notify land management agencies if the SAR emergency occurs on their land.
•	Explain why resources are not deployed if they are unavailable or the SAR criteria is not met.
•	Assist in securing alternative SAR resources if state SAR teams are not available.
4. Key Definitions Added to the SAR Act
•	SAR Emergency: Any incident requiring urgent SAR assistance.
•	Tribal: Now explicitly includes federally recognized tribes, nations, and pueblos.
•	Field Coordinator: A certified expert who organizes and leads SAR missions.
•	Civil Air Patrol: The state’s air search and rescue division.
5. Implementation Timeline
•	The law goes into effect January 1, 2026, giving agencies time to develop protocols, provide training, and establish coordination agreements.