A law designed to improve care for incarcerated people with mental-health challenges went into effect Oct. 1.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the measure earlier this year. The law is named for Tristin Murphy, who died by suicide in a Florida prison in 2021.
The statute requires the state to create probation conditions tailored for defendants with mental illness. It also establishes rules for work assignments for detainees and broadens training funded through criminal justice, mental health and substance abuse grant programs.
The Senate’s original bill, SB 168, was sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, a Republican from Fleming Island.
Senate President Ben Albritton of Wauchula championed the legislation and became visibly moved when DeSantis signed it. He praised Tristin’s parents, Cindee and Dennis Murphy, for publicly sharing their son’s story and pushing for change.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle often grew emotional while debating the proposal. While details prompted discussion, there was general agreement that the issue required action.
Bradley said she is relieved the law is now in place. She noted that individuals who commit violent crimes must remain incarcerated for