Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance suicide prevention on bridges across Minnesota. It mandates the development and incorporation of suicide prevention measures during the planning, construction, and reconstruction of bridges.

Main Provisions

• Study Requirement: The Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation, alongside the Commissioners of Health and Public Safety, must conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing suicide prevention barriers on bridges. The study must consult suicide prevention nonprofit organizations in Minnesota.

• Study Components:

  • Identify bridges at risk or with a history of suicide incidents.
  • Evaluate various types of suicide prevention barriers such as nets and physical barriers, considering their effectiveness and maintenance needs.
  • Assess the costs associated with integrating these barriers into both new constructions and existing bridges.
  • Develop criteria for when and where these barriers should be implemented.
  • Identify funding sources at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Gather input from stakeholders like the Department of Health, the Department of Public Safety, suicide prevention nonprofits, and affected local communities.

• Implementation Deadline: By January 15, 2026, the Commissioner must begin mandating suicide prevention measures into bridge projects based on study findings. These measures should be incorporated into statewide and long-range transportation plans.

• Reporting Requirement: Starting January 15, 2027, and every two years thereafter, the Commissioner is required to report on the implementation of these suicide prevention strategies, detailing specific projects and stakeholder feedback.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new legislative requirements for the Minnesota Department of Transportation to prioritize and mandate suicide prevention methods in bridge design and construction. It also establishes a continuous cycle of study, implementation, and reporting, integrating mental health considerations more prominently in infrastructure planning.

Relevant Terms

suicide prevention, bridges, feasibility study, Commissioner of Transportation, public health, mental health, suicide prevention barriers, infrastructure, Minnesota Department of Transportation, transportation improvement program, funding sources