The Tristin Murphy Act aims to improve mental health support within the criminal justice system by expanding existing programs and introducing new initiatives. It amends current laws to include training for 911 public safety telecommunicators and emergency medical technicians, as well as veterans treatment court programs under the Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant Program. The bill also exempts certain fiscally constrained counties from local match requirements for specific grants, facilitating access to funding for mental health initiatives. Additionally, it establishes mental health diversion programs for defendants charged with misdemeanors or ordinance violations, requiring defendants to sign a consent form to participate and undergo assessments for outpatient treatment, with the possibility of charges being dismissed upon successful completion of treatment.

Furthermore, the bill mandates evaluations for defendants with indications of mental illness, allowing qualified professionals to assess them for involuntary examination and transport them to receiving facilities if necessary. It introduces a pretrial felony mental health diversion program for clinically appropriate defendants, setting eligibility criteria and allowing state attorneys discretion over participation. The legislation also includes provisions for evaluating inmates' health for work assignments, conditions for probation for those with mental illness, and the creation of a Forensic Hospital Diversion Pilot Program in select counties. Additionally, it establishes the Florida Behavioral Health Care Data Repository to collect and analyze statewide behavioral health data, aiming to enhance patient care and inform state agencies and the Legislature about trends in behavioral health. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 168 Filed: 916.185