Bill Helping Defendents with Mental Illnesses Heads to Senate Vote

The Senate Committee on Approprations recently advanced a bill 18-0 to the chamber floor that would create alternative pathways for prosecuting defendants with mental illnesses.

Sen. Jennifer Bradey (R-Fleming Island) championed SB 168, also known as the Tristan Murphy Act. Rep. Nan Cobb (R-Eustis) is sponsoring the House version of the bill (HB 1207).

Tristan Murphy was a 37-year-old father of two suffering from schizophrenia, paranoia and delusions. Murphy was serving prison time for a littering offense before taking his own life on a landscaping work assignment at a Florida state prison on September 16, 2021.

Sen. Bradley addressed the importance of recognizing mental illnesses in defendants in a press statement.

“We know certain defendants who have a mental illness, intellectual disability, or autism would be better served through community services rather than jail time. There is more we can do to support law enforcement agencies who offer crisis intervention training and diversion for offenders with a mental health challenge,” Bradley said in a press release.

“If someone commits a serious, violent crime, they need to be incarcerated for public safety. This bill provides a different path for less serious crimes where the defendant, their family, and the community would be better served by allowing the defendant to receive the necessary mental health treatment," Bradley added.

Senate President Ben Albrittion also stressed the bill's importance, specifically for individuals like Tristan suffering from mental health difficulties.

“Tristin was a young father with supportive, loving parents and a bright future ahead of him. He was not a hardened criminal. He was sick and needed help to address serious mental health challenges,” Albritton said.

“Tristin’s parents 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, Cindee and Dennis, had a tremendous impact on me. We are proud to move this bill forward with their support," Albritton added.

The House version of the bill has one committee stop left.

If fully passed by the Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, SB 168/HB 1207 would take effect on Oct. 1.