Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025

The "Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary of Transportation to create a grant program within one year to facilitate the installation of evidence-based suicide deterrents . These deterrents, including suicide prevention nets and barriers, are intended for covered locations such as bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail grade crossings, and rail stations. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible recipients, including states, political subdivisions, and other entities deemed appropriate by the Secretary, following an application process. Projects eligible for funding must involve installing suicide prevention nets, barriers, or other approved evidence-based deterrents, with priority given to areas experiencing a high rate of suicide . The federal share for these projects may cover up to 80 percent of the cost, and the bill authorizes $10,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to support the program. Furthermore, it amends Title 23 to include safety barriers and nets on National Highway System bridges and requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the effectiveness and costs of suicide prevention nets and barriers for structures other than bridges.