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. 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 evaluations and treatment for defendants with mental health issues.

Additionally, House Bill 1207 establishes a pretrial felony mental health diversion program to divert defendants with mental health issues from jail to treatment. It specifies eligibility criteria for participation, including having a mental illness and a limited number of prior felony convictions, while excluding those charged with violent felonies. The bill mandates that defendants be screened for mental illness within 24 hours of booking and requires their consent to treatment, including a waiver of the right to a speedy trial. It also introduces the Florida Behavioral Health Care Data Repository to collect and analyze statewide behavioral health data, aiming to improve patient care and resource efficiency. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1207 Filed: 916.185