Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to require the Minnesota Department of Transportation to study, develop, and implement suicide prevention strategies for the construction of new bridges. The bill aims to reduce the risk of suicides from bridges by installing preventive barriers or equivalent methods.

Main Provisions

• Study and Evaluation: The commissioner of transportation, along with the commissioners of health and public safety, will conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of suicide prevention barriers. This will involve identifying high-risk bridges across Minnesota based on historical suicide incidents, and assessing potential prevention measures.

• Types of Measures: The evaluation will cover various preventive methods such as nets, physical barriers, and other evidence-based strategies, examining their viability, effectiveness, and maintenance needs.

• Cost Assessment: The study will include a financial analysis of implementing these measures during the construction and reconstruction of bridges.

• Criteria Development: Criteria will be developed to determine when and where these suicide prevention barriers should be integrated into bridge projects.

• Funding Sources: The study will explore possible funding options from federal, state, and local levels to support the implementation of these prevention measures.

• Stakeholder Input: Input will be sought from health and safety departments, local governments, communities, and nonprofit organizations specializing in suicide prevention.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Mandated Implementation: Starting January 15, 2026, the transportation department must incorporate suicide prevention barriers in new major bridge projects and reconstructions.

• Ongoing Reporting: Beginning January 15, 2027, and biennially thereafter, the commissioner must report to legislative transportation committees about the implementation progress, including stakeholder feedback and project impact.

Relevant Terms

suicide prevention, transportation, bridges, barriers, study, Department of Transportation, nonprofits, public health, mental health, public safety, stakeholders, funding sources, legislative report.