Bill > S1395

This bill addresses suicide prevention through two main provisions: First, it requires owners of multi-story parking garages (over 3 stories or 30 feet tall) to post suicide prevention signage on all walls, elevator lobbies, and stairwells within one year. The signage must include the 988 behavioral health emergency line and the words "You Are Not Alone", designed by the state's division on violence and injury prevention. Garage owners must submit proof of posting to state authorities, and face a $50 per day penalty for non-compliance, with those funds distributed to non-profit suicide prevention organizations. Second, the bill mandates the Department of Public Health to conduct a comprehensive study of mass transportation facilities (such as railways and crossings) that have been potential suicide locations in the past decade. Within a year of completing the study, the department must develop regulations requiring the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and transportation department to implement suicide prevention infrastructure, including prominently displayed signage in a soothing light green color that provides crisis intervention information and can be clearly read from a distance. The signage and design recommendations will be made publicly available online, with the garage signage requirement taking effect one year after the signage design is published.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1395