JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new law signed today by governor Ron Desantis is aimed at tackling mental health issues and preventing crime.

Senate Bill 168, referred to as the Tristin Murphy Act, aims to equip counties with the necessary resources to establish mental health initiatives for specific offenders, offering an alternative to immediate incarceration. 

First Coast News first introduced you to a woman, who is asking to not be identified for safety reasons, back in May.

“It’s one of those scenarios that you never think would happen to you,” she said.

She and her friend were attacked by a man while walking along the Southbank Riverwalk near the friendship fountain.

The individual taken into custody was identified by police as Talmadge Billingslea Jr., who has an extensive record of stalking, violence, and making remarks with racial undertones.

The women shared their story in hopes of getting Billingslea and other offenders help.

“He needs mental help and until you solve the base problem, jail is not going to do anything. It doesn’t seem like a solution to me,” the woman said.

Florida lawmakers are now trying to solve this problem.

On Wednesday, the Governor enacted Senate Bill 168, the Tristin Murphy Act, enabling counties to develop misdemeanor mental health and pretrial felony programs, which are designed to keep individuals with mental illnesses out of jail.

“We don’t think putting them in jail is always going to fix those problems, and people need to be held accountable, but you also need to provide support that will address the problem,” said Governor Desantis.

The bill will also require emergency responder training and mental health evaluations for people with a history of incompetency before they are released on probation and return to society.

“I’m hoping that the bill helps them get the help they need and gets off the streets eventually and maybe into getting a job and living on their own. It’s a start and I think that’s great,” said one victim. 

Talmadge Billingslea Jr. is still behind bars with a bond set at $19,000.

He makes his next court appearance on July 8.