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, facilitating access to funding for mental health programs. The legislation encourages communities to apply for grants to create misdemeanor or ordinance violation mental health diversion programs and outlines a model process for implementation, emphasizing community-based services to reduce incarceration due to mental health issues.

Additionally, the bill establishes a pretrial felony mental health diversion program that diverts defendants with mental health issues from jails to treatment, requiring defendants to sign consent forms agreeing to treatment and waiving their right to a speedy trial. It mandates mental illness screenings within 24 hours of booking and outlines eligibility criteria for participation in the diversion program. The bill also introduces the Florida Behavioral Health Care Data Repository to collect and analyze statewide behavioral health data, improving patient care and service efficiency. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1207 Filed: 916.185