House Transportation Committee Passes Bill Funding Suicide Prevention Measures on Washington Avenue Bridge
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Yesterday, the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee heard HF1214, a bill authored by Representative Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) that would require transportation funds to be used for the design and construction of suicide barriers and suicide diversion information on the Washington Avenue Bridge on the University of Minnesota campus.
Testifying in support of the legislation was MJ Weiss Blair, a constituent from Rep. Hansen’s district, whose child Kayla Gaebel committed suicide on the bridge in 2023, as well as the CEO of suicide prevention group SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education and several University of Minnesota students.
Representative Hansen released the following statement following the bill hearing:
“Structural suicide prevention barriers save lives, and we must ensure this project makes it across the finish line this year,” said Rep. Hansen. “I want to extend my gratitude to Kayla’s family for coming to the committee and sharing their story, and all their work to raise awareness for suicide prevention efforts on campus and around our state.”
The bill was sent to the General Register on a unanimous vote. Funding for the bridge project was included in the 2024 Bonding bill, but the bill did not pass the Senate before the end of the 2024 legislative session.
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