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

Senate Bill 168, also known as the Tristin Murphy Act, will provide counties with the resources to create mental health programs for certain offenders, instead of sending them straight to jail. 

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 man was arrested and police identified him as Talmadge Billingslea Jr. He has a long history of stalking, violence and making racially motivated statements.

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 signed Senate bill 168, the Tristin Murphy Act, which allows counties to establish misdemeanor mental health programs and pretrial felony programs to prevent people who are mentally ill from being incarcerated.

“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.