Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs Mental-Health Bills Into Law
FLORIDA, JUN 25 – The laws create diversion programs for mentally ill offenders and invest in workforce training and mobile crisis services, addressing that 40% of inmates have mental health conditions, officials said.
- In Tampa, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1620 and SB 168, creating diversion pathways and supporting mental health and substance abuse resources locally.
- SB 1620 implements key recommendations from the Florida Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, while SB 168, the `Tristin Murphy Act`, creates diversion pathways and honors Tristin Murphy.
- It requires discharge plans to include access to long-acting injectable medications, mandates biennial telehealth reviews in rural and underserved areas, and requires mental health screenings within 24 hours of jail booking.
- Support Floridians overcoming mental health challenges and substance use disorders, said Governor Ron DeSantis, while other mental health reforms start next week.
- On October 1, 2025, the law takes effect, directing the Florida Department of Children and Families to build crisis services for seniors and expanding the grant program for veteran courts and emergency responder training.
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20 Articles
DeSantis signs bills to provide needed mental health reforms
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a pair of bills on Wednesday designed to bring reforms to the state’s behavioral health apparatus and assist with the mentally ill in the criminal justice system. The second-term GOP governor signed Senate Bills 1620 and 168 in a ceremony in Tampa. SB1620 implements some of the key recommendations by the Florida Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder. The measure will standardize clinical mental h…


Florida governor signs bills to provide needed mental health reforms
(The Center Square) – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a pair of bills on Wednesday designed to bring reforms to the state's behavioral health apparatus and assist with the mentally ill in the criminal justice system.


Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bills to boost mental health care, substance abuse programs
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a pair of bills into law designed to boost mental health and substance abuse programs throughout the state.
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