Kayla's HOPE Act establishment

Suicide prevention measures for Minnesota bridges

The law creates a statewide bridge suicide-prevention program, effective the day after final enactment. Minnesota’s transportation department must complete a study by January 15, 2026, identifying bridges with past suicides or serious risk. The study compares nets, barriers, and other methods, including upkeep, construction and retrofit costs, funding sources, and criteria for choosing projects. Health and public safety officials, Minnesota suicide-prevention nonprofits, local governments, and affected communities must provide input. Beginning January 15, 2026, major state transportation department bridge construction and reconstruction projects must include barriers or other methods identified by the study. These measures must also be considered and included in statewide transportation improvement and long-range plans. The law provides $750,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 for study and planning, available until June 30, 2028. Beginning January 15, 2027, and every odd-numbered year afterward, the commissioner must report to transportation committee leaders on implementation, projects using these methods, and stakeholder and community feedback.