A measure to the require the Office of Suicide Prevention to identify state bridges and roadways with a history of high numbers of suicide-related deaths and to work with the Department of Transportation to recommend strategies to reduce those deaths was approved Thursday on a unanimous vote of 11-0 in the Senate Committee on Health. 

Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) introduced the bill, AB 440.

AB 440 builds on Ramos’s broader commitment to improving mental health care in California. In 2020, he authored AB 2112, which established the Office of Suicide Prevention, or OSP, as the state’s lead agency for coordinating and streamlining suicide prevention efforts and resources. 

“California needs a comprehensive statewide policy to evaluate and prevent suicide on state bridges. Caltrans and OSP must work together to identify and implement effective strategies,” Ramos said.

"AB 440 is a strong example of how a community driven approach can lead to a meaningful impact in the fight to prevent suicide,” said Lyn Morris, LMFT and chief executive officer of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. “Thanks to Assemblymember Ramos’ leadership and the collaboration with state and local agencies, AB 440 demonstrates that there is a commitment and belief that collectively, we can prevent suicide." 

Didi Hirsch is a sponsor for the legislation.

AB 440 would require Caltrans and OSP to identify cost-effective strategies to reduce suicides and suicide attempts on the state’s bridges and roadways. 

This bill would also require OSP to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature on the strategies that it identifies on or before Dec. 31, 2027.  Provisions in the bill would end Jan. 1, 2029.

The Assembly Committee on Health bill analysis stated that suicide is the leading cause of violent death and self-harm is the third leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits. 

The analysis also cites a 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention that contained goals for integrating suicide prevention into the workplace and other community settings.

Ramos added, “We need to be proactive to ensure we provide at-risk individuals with the help they need. Creating strategies that build in time to reconsider fatal choices can save lives and prevent long lasting traumatic pain in families and communities.” 

Supporters include the Bridge Rail Association, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies, California Hospital Association, California Police Chiefs Association, County Behavioral Health Directors, California State Association of Psychiatrists, Children Now, National Alliance on Mental Illness/California, County of San Bernardino, United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930, Wayfinder Family Services, Hillsides Pasadena, Helpline Youth Counseling and Sycamores.

AB 440 will next head to the Senate Appropriations Committee.