MN SF2971

Commissioner of Transportation must collaborate with commissioners of health and public safety to study feasibility of incorporating suicide prevention barriers (nets, physical barriers, other evidence-based methods) into bridge planning, design, construction, and reconstruction statewide, with study due by January 15, 2026

Study must identify high-risk bridges based on suicide history, location, height, and accessibility; assess implementation costs for new construction and retrofitting; and evaluate potential federal, state, and local funding sources

Beginning January 15, 2026, suicide prevention barriers become mandatory for major bridge construction and reconstruction projects undertaken by MnDOT, with integration into the statewide transportation improvement program and long-range transportation plan

Biennial reporting to legislative transportation committees required starting January 15, 2027, detailing implementation progress, projects with prevention methods, and stakeholder feedback

Appropriates $750,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 for the suicide prevention study and planning processes, available until June 30, 2028