1. (1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, at least 72 hours before engaging in efforts to locate a missing person, a private search party shall notify the sheriff of the county in which the efforts will take place.

2. (2) A notification under this section must include the following information:

   1. (a) The name, residence address and contact information for the private search party;
   2. (b) The date of birth of the private search party;
   3. (c) Whether the private search party holds certifications related to search and rescue, emergency operations or medicine;
   4. (d) The identity of the missing person;
   5. (e) Whether the private search party intends to use dogs in the search effort;
   6. (f) The anticipated time frame for the search efforts; and
   7. (g) Which of the notifications described in ORS 404.257 (2) the private search party is required to make, if any, and whether the private search party has made such notifications.
3. (3) Notifications to sheriffs under this section must be made by telephone, in writing or through any Internet-based portal created for the purpose of making such notifications.
4. (4) The law enforcement agency of any public body may authorize private search parties to begin search efforts before the 72-hour period described in subsection (1) of this section has elapsed.

[2025 c.200 §4]