Senate Bill 168 has emerged as a critical piece of Florida legislation, representing the state’s commitment to improving public health and overhauling the criminal justice system. The bill, which has substantial ramifications for Leon County, addresses crucial topics such as infant health screenings and mental health therapies within the criminal justice system.
According to LobbyTools, SB 168 was originally intended to mandate congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) tests for babies. CMV is a common virus that, when passed from mother to child during pregnancy, can cause major health issues in children, such as hearing loss and cognitive delays.
SB 168 requires hospitals to give CMV screenings to babies who fail initial hearing exams. This proactive strategy enables early detection and intervention, which is essential to improving health outcomes.
In its 2025 edition, SB 168 has been expanded to include the “Tristin Murphy Act,” named after a man who committed suicide while incarcerated, demonstrating institutional failings in addressing mental health within the criminal justice system.
This act necessitates comprehensive mental health exams for some defendants and forces them to follow treatment recommendations as a condition of probation. Additionally, it establishes the Florida Behavioral Health Care Data Repository, which aims to improve data administration and coordination of mental health services.
SB 168 closely corresponds with House Bill 1207, also known as the Tristin Murphy Act, which has similar mental health reform goals. Both proposals call for expanded mental health diversion programs, emergency response training and the creation of data repositories to improve service delivery. The coordinated actions of the Senate and House demonstrate a bipartisan commitment to addressing mental health concerns within the judicial system.
This transition from punishment to rehabilitation has immense potential. In Leon County, as in many other jurisdictions, jails have evolved into de facto mental health facilities, detaining people who would benefit far more from professional therapy than incarceration. Incorporating mental health assessments into the legal process is a systemic reform that has several significant benefits.
Trenton Young, a fourth year criminal justice major at FAMU, spoke on how SB 168 can improve the justice system and save lives from his generation.
“Mental health effects must be studied because then we can understand why some criminals commit such heinous crimes. I believe that will be the beginning of the turn of our government and improve the lives of many,” he said.
Treating mental illness breaks the cycle of repetition by addressing the underlying cause of criminal conduct. People who qualify for treatment-focused diversion programs can avoid unnecessary incarceration, reducing the demand on local jails and resources.
People who receive appropriate mental health care are less likely to participate in hazardous activities, resulting in safer communities. Treatment is frequently more cost-effective than jail. The state and municipal governments save money by avoiding the high expenditures of holding people who could be stabilized in the community.
On April 9, SB 168 cleared the chamber with a 37-0 vote. It has been sent to the House in the second reading calendar.
To stay updated on this bill and many others, visit flsenate.gov.