DeSantis Signs Landmark Florida Mental Health Reform

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the Tristin Murphy Act, a comprehensive law reforming the treatment of mentally ill individuals in the state's criminal justice system. Named in honor of Tristin Murphy, who died by suicide in prison, the law emphasizes treatment over incarceration for non-violent offenders with serious mental illness and mandates increased mental health screening throughout the justice process. The act expands law enforcement training, enables mental health diversion programs, and requires regular updates to treatment plans for those in facilities. It also establishes the Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository and strengthens grant programs for veterans and first responders. The legislation, which received bipartisan support, is regarded as Florida's most significant mental health reform in decades. Advocates and Murphy's family believe the law marks a crucial step toward preventing future tragedies and improving public safety.