HF1214

Purpose

• Directs funds from the Transportation Advancement Account to support suicide prevention efforts on the Washington Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis.
• Requires Hennepin County to provide a $15,000,000 grant to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to design and build suicide barriers and to provide suicide diversion information resources on the bridge.

Main Provisions

• Section 1: Notwithstanding a specific existing Minnesota statute, from funds received under that statute, Hennepin County must award a $15,000,000 grant to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.
• Use of funds: to design and construct suicide barriers on the Washington Avenue Bridge and to provide suicide diversion information resources.
• Location: Washington Avenue Bridge, in the city of Minneapolis.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Overrides or bypasses a provision in Minnesota Statutes (section 297A.993, subdivision 2) to allow this specific use of funds.
• Establishes a mandatory grant funding path from Hennepin County to a state university for a bridge safety and suicide prevention project.
• Allocates Transportation Advancement Account funds to a targeted public safety and mental health project rather than general purposes.

Key Terms and Concepts (for quick reference)

• Suicide barriers
• Suicide prevention measures
• Suicide diversion information resources
• Washington Avenue Bridge
• Minneapolis
• Hennepin County
• University of Minnesota Board of Regents
• Grant of $15,000,000
• Transportation Advancement Account funds
• Minnesota Statutes section 297A.993 (subdivision 2)
• Notwithstanding (legal override)

Relevant Terms - Washington Avenue Bridge - suicide barriers - suicide prevention - suicide diversion information resources - Hennepin County - University of Minnesota - Board of Regents - grant - transportation advancement account (TAA) funds - Minnesota Statutes 297A.993 - subdivision 2 - Notwithstanding