Identical to H 189, filed 2/23/17.

Amends Article 6 of GS Chapter 166A to change the title of the Article to State Search and Rescue (was, Urban Search and Rescue).

Adds the term search and rescue team to the defined terms in GS 166A-65. Defines that term to mean a specialized team or group of teams, organized with capabilities equivalent to search and rescue teams established under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to assist in the removal of trapped victims during emergencies, including but not limited to collapsed structures, trench excavations, elevated locations, and other technical rescue situations. Eliminates the term "urban search and rescue team," and makes conforming changes to eliminate references to that term and instead reference the "search and rescue team" in GS 166A-65, GS 166A-66, GS 166A-67, GS 166A-68, and GS 166A-69.

Appropriates $2,397,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, for the 2017-18 fiscal year to be used to support the State Search and and Rescue Program. Directs that the funds are to be used in partnership with units of local government to supplement local expenses to purchase equipment, maintain equipment, and provide other items necessary to ensure statewide search and rescue services. Provides that any match requirement established by the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety can be satisfied by the sponsoring local agency with cash payments or in-kind contributions. Effective July 1, 2017.