Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025

This bill, called the Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025, would set up a Transportation Department grant program to help install proven suicide deterrents—like safety nets and barriers—on certain infrastructure. The program must start within one year of the bill becoming law, and it would fund projects that use evidence-based methods to reduce suicide-by-jumping . Money would go to states, local governments, and other eligible groups through competitive grants. Projects in areas with high suicide rates would get priority, and the federal government could cover up to 80% of project costs. The bill authorizes $10 million a year from 2026 to 2030 for this effort.

It also requires a federal study on structures other than bridges—like which places draw more suicide attempts, what kinds of nets or barriers work best (including natural or built barriers), how well they work by the numbers, who usually installs them, and how much they cost. A report on the findings would be due within one year of enactment.

• Who is affected: States, cities/counties, and other eligible entities that manage infrastructure; communities near high-risk sites.
• What changes: New competitive grants to install suicide prevention nets, barriers, or other proven deterrents; priority for high-suicide areas; federal cost share up to 80% .
• When: Program must be created within one year of enactment; funding available 2026–2030; study report due within one year of enactment .