The "Tristin Murphy Act" aims to improve mental health support within the criminal justice system by expanding grant programs and establishing mental health diversion initiatives. The bill amends existing statutes to include training for 911 public safety telecommunicators and emergency medical technicians, as well as veterans treatment court programs. It also exempts certain fiscally constrained counties from local match requirements for specified grants, encouraging communities to apply for funding to create mental health diversion programs for misdemeanor or ordinance violations. The legislation outlines a model process for these programs, establishes criteria for screening and evaluation of defendants, and mandates that defendants sign a consent form to participate.

Additionally, the bill establishes a pretrial felony mental health diversion program to divert defendants with mental health issues from jails to treatment, requiring collaboration among local law enforcement, state attorneys, public defenders, and treatment providers. It details the screening process for defendants suspected of having mental health issues and allows for the evaluation of defendants for involuntary examination and treatment. The bill also enhances the Forensic Hospital Diversion Pilot Program and creates the Florida Behavioral Health Care Data Repository to collect and analyze statewide behavioral health data. This repository aims to improve understanding of behavioral health trends and their relationship with the criminal justice system, with a plan to be submitted by December 1, 2025, and annual reports to follow. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1207 Filed: 916.185