Bill > SF2971

This bill requires the Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study on suicide prevention methods for bridges across the state, with the ultimate goal of implementing suicide prevention barriers and techniques in bridge construction and reconstruction projects. The study, to be completed by January 15, 2026, must identify bridges with high suicide risk, evaluate different types of prevention barriers (such as nets and physical barriers), assess implementation costs, develop criteria for when and where barriers should be used, and seek input from various stakeholders including health and safety departments, suicide prevention organizations, and local communities. Beginning January 15, 2026, the commissioner must mandate the incorporation of suicide prevention methods in major bridge projects and will be required to report to legislative committees every two years about implementation progress, including details on specific projects where prevention methods were employed. The bill includes a one-time appropriation of $750,000 from the general fund to support the study and planning processes, with funds available until June 30, 2028.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2971&ssn=0&y=2025