‘Kayla’s HOPE Act’ designed to prevent suicides on bridges

The Department of Transportation must identify bridges in Minnesota with a history of suicide-related deaths, and collaborate with the Department of Health to develop best practices, measures and design criteria for suicide prevention in bridge projects.

A law that took effect May 8, 2026, also requires the implementation of suicide reduction railings where appropriate on both trunk highway and local bridge projects.

This state statute is named the “Kayla’s HOPE Act,” for Kayla Gaebel, who died by suicide at Minneapolis’ Washington Avenue Bridge in 2023.

Rep. Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont) and Sen. D. Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls) sponsor the law.

HF3169/SF2971*/CH77

SF2971* / HF3169 / CH77