Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025

The Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025 would require the Secretary of Transportation to create a grant program to install evidence-based suicide deterrents (such as suicide prevention nets and barriers) at selected infrastructure sites described as “covered locations.” Eligible locations include bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail grade crossings, and rail stations. Grants would be awarded on a competitive basis to states, political subdivisions, and other eligible entities, with priority given to projects in areas that have high suicide rates. The federal share of project costs could be up to 80%, and an annual appropriation of $10 million is authorized for fiscal years 2026–2030. The bill also amends Title 23 to explicitly include safety nets and barriers on National Highway System bridges and directs a Government accountability study (Comptroller General) on the effectiveness of nets and barriers for structures beyond bridges, with a report due within one year of enactment. Overall, the bill aims to expand the use of physical suicide deterrents at transportation and other critical infrastructure locations, fund pilot installations, and assess where deterrents are most effective beyond bridges.