The Tristin Murphy Act aims to enhance mental health support within the criminal justice system by expanding grant programs and establishing mental health diversion initiatives. It amends existing statutes to include training for 911 public safety telecommunicators and emergency medical technicians, as well as veterans treatment court programs among the supported initiatives. The bill exempts certain fiscally constrained counties from local match requirements for specified grants, facilitating access to funding for mental health programs. It encourages communities to apply for grants to create misdemeanor or ordinance violation mental health diversion programs and outlines a model process for implementation, requiring adherence to specific provisions based on available resources.

Additionally, the bill establishes criteria for mental health diversion programs, allowing for the screening and evaluation of defendants with mental health issues. It mandates that defendants sign a consent form to participate in these programs, which may include outpatient treatment assessments and the possibility of charge dismissal upon successful completion of treatment recommendations. The legislation expands eligibility for the Forensic Hospital Diversion Pilot Program to include Hillsborough County and requires the Department of Corrections to evaluate the physical and mental health of inmates eligible for work assignments. The bill also introduces new requirements for individuals sentenced to probation after regaining competency from a mental illness, mandating mental health evaluations and adherence to recommendations. Furthermore, it establishes the Northwest Regional Data Center as the lead entity for creating a centralized Florida Behavioral Health Care Data Repository, with a detailed implementation plan due by December 1, 2025, and annual reports starting December 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 168 Filed: 916.185
S 168 c1: 916.185
S 168 c2: 916.185
S 168 er: 916.185