Oregon Law
Law as of Jan 1, 2026
Chapter contents
404.095“Search and rescue” not to include urban search and rescue 404.100Search and Rescue Coordinator; appointment; duties 404.105Program for air search and rescue 404.110Search and rescue activities; responsibilities of sheriff; delegation of sheriff’s duties 404.115Restriction of access to search and rescue area 404.120County sheriff to adopt search and rescue plan; contents; annual review 404.125Critique of search and rescue incident; filing amended search and rescue plan with Oregon Department of Emergency Management 404.130Search and rescue incident number 404.135Investigative subpoena 404.200Definitions for ORS 404.200 to 404.215 404.205Application 404.210Coverage under Oregon Tort Claims Act 404.215Workers’ compensation coverage 404.250Leave of absence from employment for search and rescue volunteer 404.255Definitions 404.257Required disclosures by private search parties 404.260Required notification to county sheriff 404.265Imposition of civil penalties by county 404.270Reimbursement of public body for search and rescue by benefited persons; amount; exceptions 404.300Definitions for ORS 404.300 to 404.315 404.305Assumption of risk of wilderness travel or mountain climbing; use and effect of electronic signaling devices 404.310Required equipment when guiding children above timberline 404.315Exemption from liability for electronic signaling device; exceptions 404.325Posting of emergency contact telephone number 404.350Rescue of companion animal 404.400Agreement for outdoor recreation search and rescue card program 404.410Requirements of program; search and rescue grants; reporting

Chapter 404 — Search and Rescue

ORS 404.257 Required disclosures by private search parties

(1)

A private search party, before engaging in efforts to locate a missing person, shall disclose to an immediate family member of the missing person, verbally and in writing:

(a)

That the private search party is not acting in connection with a governmental body; and

(b)

The nature of the private search party’s involvement in the effort to locate the missing person.

(2)

A private search party shall notify an immediate family member of the missing person, verbally and in writing, if the private search party:

(a)

Intends to charge a fee for the private search party’s services or assistance;

(b)

Intends to request donations for the private search party’s services or assistance; or

(c)

Intends to derive profit from any production made in connection with the private search party’s services or assistance.

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Provenance

Version history

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