SF 2971

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/03/2025 08:57 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; requiring commissioner of transportation to study,
develop, and implement suicide prevention methods for construction of new
bridges; requiring a report; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law
in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 161.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [161.54] SUICIDE PREVENTION STUDY AND FEATURE
IMPLEMENTATION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The commissioner, in collaboration with the
commissioners of health and public safety, must study and evaluate the feasibility and
effectiveness and incorporation of suicide prevention barriers in the planning, design,
construction, and reconstruction of bridges across the state. The commissioner must develop
the study and recommendations in consultation with suicide prevention nonprofit
organizations operating in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Study requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) The study established in subdivision 1 must:
new text end

new text begin (1) identify bridges in Minnesota with a history of suicide incidents or that pose a
significant risk for suicide based on location, height, and accessibility;
new text end

new text begin (2) evaluate various types of suicide prevention barriers, including nets, physical barriers,
and other evidence-based methods, for their effectiveness, feasibility, and maintenance
requirements;
new text end

new text begin (3) assess the costs of implementing suicide prevention barriers during construction of
new bridges and reconstruction and retrofitting of existing bridges;
new text end

new text begin (4) develop criteria and a methodology for determining when and where suicide
prevention barriers should be incorporated into bridge projects;
new text end

new text begin (5) identify and evaluate potential funding sources, including federal, state, and local
resources, for suicide prevention barrier implementation; and
new text end

new text begin (6) seek input from key stakeholders, including:
new text end

new text begin (i) the Department of Health regarding public health and mental health data;
new text end

new text begin (ii) the Department of Public Safety regarding public safety and first responder
perspectives;
new text end

new text begin (iii) Minnesota-based suicide prevention nonprofit organizations for their expertise and
lived experience insights; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) local governments and communities affected by proposed projects.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must complete the study by January 15, 2026.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Mandated implementation. new text end

new text begin (a) Beginning January 15, 2026, the commissioner
must mandate the incorporation of suicide prevention barriers or other methods identified
and recommended by the study completed in subdivision 2 for major bridge construction
and reconstruction projects undertaken by the Department of Transportation. The
commissioner must ensure that suicide prevention methods are considered and incorporated
in the statewide transportation improvement program and in the long-range transportation
plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Beginning January 15, 2027, and every odd-numbered year thereafter, the
commissioner must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance and policy. The report must detail
the commissioner's implementation of suicide prevention methods for bridge construction
and reconstruction projects, identify projects where suicide prevention methods were
employed, and provide feedback from interested stakeholders and local communities affected
by proposed projects.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $750,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of transportation for the purposes of suicide prevention study and planning processes under
Minnesota Statutes, section 161.54. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2028.
new text end