MN Mental Health Legislative Network Blue Book
Read our 2026 Legislative Priorities
Advocate for suicide prevention
SAVE engages in advocacy to drive social and systemic change, raise awareness, fulfill our mission, and serve as a voice for those impacted by suicide at state and national levels.
Policy priorities
SAVE is committed to creating positive change in our communities through strategic advocacy efforts. Through collaboration, education and action, we work tirelessly to address pressing social issues and advocate for policies that promote equality, well-being, and safety for all.
Social media impact on youth mental health and suicide
In an increasingly digital world, the impact of social media on mental health cannot be understated. We advocate for policies that promote responsible social media usage and provide support for people struggling with mental health issues. Our initiatives include:
- Regulation and oversight: We push for regulatory measures to ensure that social media platforms prioritize user well-being and implement safeguards against harmful content.
- Education and awareness: We campaign to raise awareness about the link between social media usage and mental health, and provide support for those affected.
Federal legislation
S. 1748 – Kids Online Safety Act
Overview: This bill requires covered online platforms, including social media platforms, to implement tools and safeguards to protect users and visitors under the age of 17. Covered platforms are online platforms, video games, messaging applications, or video streaming services used or likely to be used by individuals under the age of 17, with specified exceptions. The bill generally requires covered platforms to exercise reasonable care in the design and use of features that increase minors’ online activity in order to prevent and mitigate harm to minors (e.g., mental health disorders and severe harassment).
Covered platforms must also provide:
- Certain safeguards to minors, such as protections for minors’ data
- Tools for parents of minors, such as access to minors’ privacy settings
- A mechanism for account holders and visitors to report harm to minors on the platform
Covered platforms are prohibited from conducting market or product research on children under the age of 13, and may only conduct such research on those under the age of 17 with parental consent.
The bill provides for enforcement through the Federal Trade Commission and states.
The bill also requires online platforms to meet certain requirements before using algorithms that select, order, or prioritize information presented to users based on user-specific data not provided for that purpose. Specifically, such platforms must (1) provide users with notice of the use of such algorithms, and (2) permit users to switch to an algorithm that does not rely on such user-specific data.
Minnesota legislation
325M.335 – Mental Health Warning Label
Overview: SAVE successfully advocated in 2025 for legislation to require social media platforms to display a warning label each time a user logs onto a social media platform. The warning label must notify potential harmful effects of social media use and provide resources for users to access a mental health crisis hotline such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
SF 508 – Phone Free Schools Policy
Overview: This bill requires A school district or charter school to a policy on students’ possession and use of cell phones in school by March 15, 2025. The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association and the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals must also collaborate to make best practices available to schools on a range of different strategies in order to minimize the impact of cell phones on student behavior, mental health, and academic
attainment.
Access to health care and mental health treatment
Access to quality healthcare and treatment is a fundamental right. Yet, millions of people face barriers to accessing the care they need. We advocate for policies that expand access to healthcare and remove obstacles to treatment. Our efforts include:
- Healthcare equity: We support policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare services, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or geography.
- Mental health parity: We advocate for laws that ensure mental health services are covered by insurance providers on par with physical health services.
- Community health initiatives: We collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations to increase access to preventative care and mental health services in underserved communities.
Minnesota legislation
SAVE is a part of the Minnesota Mental Health Legislative Network. Read the 2026 legislative issues and priorities in the document below.
Lethal means safety
Reducing access to lethal means of self-harm is a critical component of suicide prevention efforts. We advocate for policies and initiatives that promote lethal means safety and save lives. Our work includes:
- Kayla’s HOPE: Kayla’s HOPE was founded by MJ Weiss Blair, her sister Gina Morgan and SAVE after MJ’s daughter Kayla Gaebel died by suicide in November 2023. The effort collaborates with public and private partners to strategize, fund and install physical suicide deterrents in high-risk locations. Structural barriers can significantly decrease suicide deaths at a site as they interrupt plans to attempt suicide and allow more time for emergency responders to intervene.
- Coalition for Suicide Prevention in Public Infrastructure (CSPPI): A national coalition led by suicide loss survivors and family members who lost loved ones to suicide from tall public structures. Learn more about CSPPI.
- Safe storage and disposal: We support legislation requiring safe storage and disposal of firearms, medications, and other lethal means to prevent impulsive acts of self-harm. We also distribute free cable gun locks so families and communities can safeguard their firearms before a crisis.
- Training and education: We provide training and resources to healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community members on identifying warning signs and implementing lethal means safety measures.
- Policy reform: We work with legislators to enact common-sense gun safety laws and policies that protect people at risk of suicide.
Federal legislation
HR 3505 – Barriers to Suicide Act
Overview: The Barriers to Suicide Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a grant program to facilitate the research and installation of evidence-based suicide deterrents, including suicide prevention nets and barriers, and for other purposes, where appropriate. The bill marks a policy shift to consider suicide barriers in the construction and renovations of infrastructure rather than in response to a tragedy.
Minnesota legislation
Overview: The bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation to study, develop, and implement suicide prevention methods for construction of new bridges and the renovation of current structures. The bill is similar to the federal Barriers to Suicide Act and gives Minnesota the opportunity to lead on this area of policy.
Connect to SAVE lives
We believe in the power of connection to create positive change. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about our mission, we invite you to get in touch.