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119-s-5558119th Congress

Barriers to Suicide Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

Introduced

Summary

Builds local capacity to install evidence-based suicide deterrents at public sites. This bill would create a competitive grant program at the Department of Transportation to fund nets, barriers, and other proven deterrents at bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail grade crossings, and rail stations.

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  • Families and communities: Makes common public spaces safer by funding physical deterrents shown in research to reduce suicides. Projects in areas with high suicide counts or rates get priority.
  • State, local, tribal, and territorial governments: Allows States, political subdivisions, Tribes, territories, and other eligible entities to apply for grants to carry out installations. The federal share may cover up to 80 percent of project costs.
  • Implementers and projects: Grants can pay for suicide prevention nets, barriers, or other evidence-based deterrents the Secretary approves. The Secretary must set up the program within one year and set application and evaluation rules.

*This bill would authorize $10 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Grants for suicide prevention barriers

If enacted, the bill would direct the Transportation Secretary to create a competitive grant program within one year. The program would fund installation of evidence-based suicide deterrents at bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail crossings, and rail stations. Grants could cover up to 80% of project costs and would prioritize areas with high suicide rates. The bill would authorize $10 million for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030, subject to appropriation.

Highway funds eligible for bridge barriers

If enacted, the bill would amend the National Highway Performance Program to expressly include installation of safety barriers and nets on National Highway System bridges as an eligible activity. That change would make such work eligible for existing highway program funding. The bill would not itself provide new money or require that barriers be installed.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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