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S 1395

An Act relative to suicide prevention signage at certain facilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney

Massachusetts bill requiring suicide prevention signage with crisis hotline information at designated facilities to increase access to help resources.

Hearing scheduled for 11/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · S 1395

Legislative bill overview

S 1395 requires certain facilities in Massachusetts to post suicide prevention signage that includes crisis hotline information and resources. The bill mandates these signs be displayed in visible locations to help individuals in crisis access immediate support. The specific facilities covered and signage requirements are determined by the bill's detailed provisions.

Why is this important

Suicide is a leading cause of death, and immediate access to crisis resources can be lifesaving. Research suggests that visible crisis hotline information increases help-seeking behavior among individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. This legislation aims to bridge the gap between someone in crisis and professional support by placing resources directly in their line of sight at high-risk locations.

Potential points of contention

  • Facility scope and compliance costs: Uncertainty about which facilities must comply (hospitals, mental health clinics, public buildings, transportation hubs) and the financial burden of signage production and installation for smaller organizations
  • Effectiveness and burden balance: Debate over whether mandatory signage meaningfully reduces suicide rates versus being a symbolic measure that imposes administrative requirements on facilities already managing crisis situations
  • Privacy and stigma concerns: Questions about whether prominent crisis signage in certain locations could stigmatize those facilities or create psychological pressure for vulnerable individuals, and debates over the appropriate prominence of such displays

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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