Senate unanimously signs off on bill designed to better assist detainees with mental health issues

The Senate has unanimously approved a measure that would allow those being held in criminal custody to be diverted to mental health treatment while behind bars.

Sen. Jennifer Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican, sponsored the bill (SB 168), which is called the Tristin Murphy Act. Tristin Murphy committed suicide in a Florida prison in 2021.

Murphy’s parents, Cindee and Dennis Murphy, were in the Senate chamber as lawmakers considered the bill and eventually voted 37-0 in favor of the measure. The legislation would establish a series of processes that would divert defendants being held in custody to mental health treatment if it is determined they need such treatment.

The bill gained momentum as Senate President Ben Albritton, a Wauchula Republican, threw his support behind the measure.

“Tristin’s parents and his son, Cody, have been so brave to tell his story and advocate for improvements to the way offenders with a mental health challenge are treated within the criminal justice system. Learning about Tristin’s story and spending time with his parents had a profound impact on me. We are proud to have Cindee and Dennis here with us today as we pass this bill with their support,” Albritton said.

“There is a big difference between a hardened criminal and someone who needs intervention to address a serious mental health challenge. This bill strikes a balance that gives law enforcement more options to keep our communities safe.”

The bill calls for the state to establish probation conditions for defendants with mental illness, sets requirements for work assignments for those detainees and expands training options under the criminal justice, mental health and substance abuse grant programs.

A companion bill in the House (HB 1207) has already received approval from two committees and is heading to the House Judiciary Committee. That’s the final stop before it can go to the floor for a full vote.