FL S0464

Exempts fiscally constrained counties from local matching fund requirements for Criminal Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grants if they establish misdemeanor mental health jail diversion programs under section 916.135.

Establishes legislative intent that misdemeanor and ordinance violation defendants with mental disorders, intellectual disabilities, or autism be evaluated and provided services in community settings and that law enforcement receive crisis intervention team training.

Encourages communities to apply for reinvestment grants to establish misdemeanor mental health diversion programs that redirect defendants from jails to community-based treatment.

Creates procedures for misdemeanor courts to screen defendants for mental disorders upon jail booking, refer them for Baker Act evaluations, and authorize release on conditions of completing mental health assessments and treatment plans.

Authorizes courts to toll speedy trial periods during mental health treatment, allows state attorneys to consider charge dismissal upon successful completion of treatment recommendations, and requires courts to exhaust therapeutic interventions before returning defendants to jail for non-compliance.