Landmark bipartisan legislation will require bridge-related suicide data collection and implementation of suicide reduction railings across Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education today celebrated the unanimous passage of SF2971, known as Kayla’s HOPE Act, on the Minnesota House floor on April 30, 2026. Authored by State Representative Bjorn Olson (R-22A) with strong bipartisan support, the bill’s unanimous House passage marks a landmark step forward in suicide prevention efforts across the state.
The Act is named in memory of Kayla Gaebel, who died on November 9, 2023, at a tall public structure in Minnesota. Her mother, MJ Weiss Blair, channeled her grief into action, successfully advocating last year for $8 million in funding for permanent barriers at that same structure, and co-founding the Coalition for Suicide Prevention in Public Infrastructure (CSPPI) to advance systemic change. MJ serves as Vice President of the SAVE Board of Directors and is the founder of Kayla’s HOPE – Helping Others, Protecting Everyone.
Kayla’s HOPE Act directs the Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation, in coordination with the Commissioner of Health, to collect data on bridge-related suicides by annually reviewing vital statistics records. This data will be used to identify bridges with a history of such deaths and to determine where suicide prevention measures may be most needed. The legislation also requires the development of best practices for suicide prevention on bridges–including design criteria for suicide reduction railings–and mandates implementation of those railings on bridge projects identified as appropriate and feasible.
“The unanimous passage of Kayla’s HOPE Act is a profound statement by the Minnesota Legislature that suicide is preventable and that we must use every tool available to protect lives,” said Erich Mische, CEO of SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. “Structural barriers on bridges save lives. This legislation, created in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and SAVE, reflects the kind of bold, evidence-informed action that we have advocated for over two years, and we are proud to see it move forward with such broad, bipartisan support. We are grateful for the efforts of Rep. Bjorn Olson who led this effort in the House, and to Sen. Scott Dibble for his leadership in the Senate.”
The bill authored by Representative Bjorn Olson (R-22A) carried bipartisan cosponsors including Representatives Rick Hansen (DFL-53B), Michael Howard (DFL-51A), Larry Kraft (DFL-46A), Kari Rehrauer (DFL-35B), and Bianca Virnig (DFL-52B). SAVE commends the leadership and courage of each sponsor in championing this life-saving measure.
Research consistently demonstrates that suicide reduction barriers on bridges are among the most effective means of preventing bridge-related suicides. By combining data-driven identification of high-risk bridges with the implementation of physical deterrents, Kayla’s HOPE Act creates a comprehensive, public-health approach to a critical issue that has long been overlooked in transportation policy.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the successful passage of Kayla’s HOPE Act, SF 2971-especially Rep. Bjorn Olson for his incredible leadership. This achievement reflects the commitment of many dedicated individuals, including Kayla’s family, her HOPE team, the SAVE organization, friends, MnDOT, and our Minnesota state bipartisan legislative leaders. Their collaboration and determination were essential in bringing this legislation across the finish line, making this a victory shared by all of us. I am filled with a profound mix of grief, hope, and deep gratitude as we honor Kayla’s legacy through this important work,” said MJ Weiss Blair, Vice President of the SAVE Board of Directors, founder of Kayla’s HOPE – Helping Others, Protecting Everyone, and co-founder of the Coalition for Suicide Prevention in Public Infrastructure.
The legislation passed the Minnesota Senate on April 22, 2026, by an overwhelming vote of 63 to 4, carried by Senator Scott Dibble (DFL-61). Its unanimous passage on the House floor on April 30 completes a remarkable bipartisan journey through the Legislature. The bill now heads to the Governor for signature, and SAVE will continue to advocate for its swift enactment and full implementation.
About SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
Founded in 1989 in Minneapolis, SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education is a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the tragedy of suicide through education, training, advocacy, lethal means safety, and support for suicide loss survivors. SAVE’s work is grounded in the belief that suicide is preventable and that everyone has a role to play. For more information, visit save.org