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A 2656

Relates to creating a bridge suicide barrier fund

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 8 co-sponsors

Bill Summary: A 2656 - Relates to Creating a Bridge Suicide Barrier Fund SummaryThis bill aims to establish a dedicated fund to finance the construction of suicide prevention barri

REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
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Bill Summary · A 2656

Bill Summary: A 2656 - Relates to Creating a Bridge Suicide Barrier Fund

Summary

This bill aims to establish a dedicated fund to finance the construction of suicide prevention barriers on bridges throughout the state. The primary purpose is to reduce the number of deaths by suicide occurring on bridges, which have become a common site for such tragic incidents.

Key Provisions

  • Creates the "Bridge Suicide Barrier Fund" to be administered by the state Department of Transportation.
  • Requires an annual appropriation of $10 million to be deposited into the fund.
  • Mandates that monies in the fund be used exclusively for the design, construction, and maintenance of suicide prevention barriers on state-owned bridges.
  • Directs the Department of Transportation to develop and implement a prioritization process for identifying bridges most in need of suicide barrier installation.
  • Requires the Department to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing fund expenditures and progress on barrier projects.

Impact

  • This bill is intended to save lives by making it more difficult for individuals to die by suicide on bridges, a common and often lethal method.
  • It would provide a reliable funding source to systematically address suicide prevention on bridges across the state, rather than relying on sporadic or piecemeal efforts.
  • By prioritizing the most high-risk bridges, the bill aims to have the greatest impact in reducing bridge suicide deaths.
  • The annual reporting requirements would ensure transparency and accountability in how the fund is utilized.

Procedural Details

  • This bill was introduced on January 9, 2024 and has been referred to the Ways and Means committee for consideration.
  • It builds on previous legislative attempts to address bridge suicide, including A 8728, A 3288, and A 72 from prior sessions.
  • If enacted, the $10 million annual appropriation to the Bridge Suicide Barrier Fund would begin in the next fiscal year.

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

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