Barriers to Suicide Act of 2026

This bill would require the Secretary of Transportation to create a competitive grant program within one year to help pay for suicide prevention nets, barriers, and other proven suicide deterrents at bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail crossings, and rail stations. States, local governments, tribes, territories, and other approved entities could apply, and areas with high suicide rates would get priority. Federal grants could cover up to 80 percent of a project's cost, and the bill authorizes $10 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It would also allow National Highway Performance Program funds to be used for safety barriers and nets on National Highway System bridges, and it would require the Government Accountability Office to study suicide deterrents for structures other than bridges and report to Congress within one year.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Alex Padilla Democrat sponsor
• 2 cosponsors