Alex Padilla (D-CA)
Barriers to Suicide Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S5004)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill is called the Barriers to Suicide Act of 2026. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to set up a grant program for installing suicide deterrents like nets and barriers on certain infrastructure. These covered locations include bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail grade crossings, and rail stations. The Secretary will give priority to projects in areas with high rates of suicide. The legislation also updates the national highway performance program to include safety barriers and nets on bridges. Finally, it requires a study by the Comptroller General on the effectiveness of nets and barriers for structures other than bridges.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +6
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill establishes a grant program for installing suicide deterrents on infrastructure to prevent suicide attempts.
- Scored +6
Does this repair or build roads and bridges?
The bill updates the national highway performance program to include safety barriers and nets on bridges.
- Scored +4
Does this make health care easier to get in general?
The legislation provides targeted safety infrastructure and prevention resources that improve public health access.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2: This section establishes a grant program to help install evidence-based suicide deterrents, such as nets and barriers, on bridges, buildings, parking garages, highway-rail grade crossings, and rail stations. This is positive because it directly supports efforts to prevent suicides in common public locations.
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Section 2(f): This provision requires the Secretary to give priority to projects located in areas with a high rate or number of suicides. This is positive because it ensures that federal money goes first to the places where it is needed most.
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Section 3: This updates the national highway performance program to include the installation of safety barriers and nets on bridges of the National Highway System. This is positive because it helps protect people by adding suicide prevention measures to major bridges.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific provisions outlining negative consequences, burdens, or negative impacts for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill establishes a grant program for installing suicide deterrents on infrastructure to prevent suicide attempts. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The legislation provides targeted safety infrastructure and prevention resources that improve public health access. Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill mandates a Comptroller General study on the effectiveness of various suicide prevention nets and barriers.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill provides suicide prevention grants to states and eligible entities including federally recognized Indian Tribes. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill funds infrastructure safety improvements in high-risk areas often located in populated environments.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — The bill updates the national highway performance program to include safety barriers and nets on bridges.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires a comprehensive study and report on suicide deterrent effectiveness by the Comptroller General.
- 9/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S5004)
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina