BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A Vermont legislator is proposing fines of up to $500 for skiers’ rescues.

Sen. Kevin Mullin’s bill says skiers and snowboard riders who go beyond designated trails and require rescue assistance could face a trespassing charge. Fines would amount to no more than $500.

Mullin, a Republican, represents Rutland County, which includes the Killington resort. WCAX-TV (http://bit.ly/UnuJ9I ) says rescue crews have pulled about 50 people out of the woods this year in that area.

Mullin says his bill wouldn’t begin to cover the cost of rescues, but it would make errant skiers contribute something.

Killington says it hasn’t reviewed the particulars of his bill, but it supports a measure to pay the state and ski resorts for search and rescue efforts.

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