SF3041

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to address the allocation of funds from a regional transportation sales and use tax to support the construction and installation of suicide prevention barriers on the Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus.

Main Provisions

• Funds Allocation: The bill proposes the allocation of $15,000,000 from the revenue collected through a regional transportation sales and use tax.
• Grant to the University of Minnesota: The Metropolitan Council is instructed to provide a grant of this amount to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota.
• Use of Funds: The funds are designated for designing and constructing a replacement pedestrian enclosure along with suicide deterrent barriers on the bridge.
• Consultation Requirement: The Board of Regents must consult with individuals affected by suicides at the bridge, suicide prevention organizations, and experts to design the barriers effectively.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill modifies existing financial allocation procedures, specifically overriding a particular subdivision of Minnesota Statutes section 473.4465 to redirect funds for the construction and design of suicide prevention structures.

Relevant Terms

• Transportation sales and use tax
• Suicide deterrent barriers
• Washington Avenue Pedestrian Bridge
• Metropolitan Council
• University of Minnesota
• Active transportation
• Suicide prevention