Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to address suicide prevention in the context of transportation infrastructure, specifically focusing on bridges. The bill mandates a study and the implementation of suicide prevention features in the construction and reconstruction of bridges within Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Study and Evaluation: The commissioner of transportation, together with the commissioners of health and public safety, must conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating suicide prevention barriers into bridge designs. This study will be carried out with input from suicide prevention nonprofits.
• Identification Process: The study will identify bridges that have a history of suicides or pose a high risk for such incidents based on various factors such as location and height.
• Evaluation of Barriers: Different types of suicide prevention barriers, including nets and physical barriers, will be evaluated for their effectiveness, feasibility, and maintenance needs.
• Cost Assessment: The study will also assess costs associated with implementing these barriers during new bridge constructions, as well as existing bridge retrofits.
• Funding and Criteria Development: Criteria and methods will be developed to determine when and where these barriers should be implemented. Additionally, potential funding sources at federal, state, and local levels will be identified.
• Stakeholder Input: Input will be sought from stakeholders, including health and safety departments, suicide prevention organizations, and affected local governments and communities.

Significant Changes

• Mandatory Implementation: Starting January 15, 2026, suicide prevention barriers or other effective methods identified in the study must be incorporated into all major bridge construction and reconstruction projects managed by the Department of Transportation.
• Reporting Requirement: Beginning January 2027 and every odd-numbered year thereafter, the commissioner must report on the implementation of suicide prevention methods in bridge projects. This includes detailing where these methods have been used and gathering feedback from stakeholders and communities.

Relevant Terms

suicide prevention, bridge construction, transportation, barriers, department of transportation, Minnesota, public safety, mental health, infrastructure, nonprofit organizations, stakeholder input