Existing law provides funding for the development, construction, and maintenance of the state’s bridges and highways and requires that a project study report be prepared for any new project involving the construction of a new bridge, or the replacement of a bridge with a history of documented suicides, that demonstrates that a suicide barrier was a feature that was considered during the project’s planning process.

This bill would require the Director of Transportation to select members for an advisory committee to provide input into the selection of a physical suicide deterrent system for the San Diego-Coronado Bridge that would include, but would not be limited to, a representative from the Department of the California Highway Patrol, a mental health advocate, a member of a local suicide prevention group, residents of specified cities, and representatives of specified city and county governments. The bill would also provide for the selection to the advisory committee of one representative each by the Assembly Members or State Senators whose districts include the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.

This bill would repeal these provisions upon the Department of Transportation’s selection of a physical suicide deterrent system for the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, or on January 1, 2030, whichever occurs first.

This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.