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SB 54

AN ACT FOR THE AUDITOR OF STATE - DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS APPROPRIATION FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR.

2025 Regular Session

SB 54 mandates toxicology screenings for mass shooting suspects, improves autopsy protocols, and trains law enforcement and school staff on psychotropic drug effects.

Notification that SB54 is now Act 1015
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Bill Summary · SB 54

Summary of SB 54: Use of Substances Affecting Cognitive Function

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SB 54
- Title: Use of Substances Affecting Cognitive Function
- Status: Referred to Criminal Justice; Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice; Rules
- Introduced: September 17, 2025
- Sponsor: Senator Sharief

Purpose and Intent

SB 54 aims to address the relationship between the use of psychotropic drugs and violent incidents, specifically mass shootings. The bill seeks to establish protocols for autopsies and toxicology screenings for individuals suspected of committing mass shootings or other violent crimes, as well as to provide training for law enforcement and school safety personnel regarding the effects of such substances.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant measures:

1. Definitions

  • Mass Shooting: Defined as an incident where a person is suspected of intentionally causing the death of four or more individuals (excluding the suspect) using a firearm at a single location during a continuous period.
  • Psychotropic Drug: Includes any medication prescribed to affect mental state, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antianxiety medications.

2. Autopsy Protocols (Section 406.139)

  • Medical examiners must:
    • Identify and consult with any treating mental health professionals or primary care physicians of the decedent.
    • Conduct toxicology screenings to check for psychotropic drugs, illicit drugs, controlled substances, and alcohol.
    • Document findings in the autopsy report, which remains a public record unless otherwise restricted by law.

3. Toxicology Screening for Arrested Individuals (Section 901.225)

  • Law enforcement agencies are required to perform toxicology screenings on individuals arrested for mass shootings or other violent crimes.
  • Results of these screenings must be included in the suspect's case file.

4. Training Requirements

  • Law Enforcement Training: Agencies must provide training on the adverse effects of psychotropic drugs and other substances, focusing on identifying and safely interacting with individuals under their influence.
  • School Safety Training: School safety specialists and safe-school officers must receive training on the effects of psychotropic drugs and how to manage situations involving individuals potentially under their influence.

Impact

This legislation is expected to:
- Enhance the understanding of the role psychotropic drugs may play in violent behavior.
- Improve the protocols for handling cases of mass shootings and violent crimes.
- Equip law enforcement and school personnel with the knowledge to better manage interactions with individuals affected by such substances.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on September 17, 2025, and has been referred to the Criminal Justice and Appropriations Committees, as well as the Rules Committee for further consideration.
  • The effective date of the bill will be determined upon passage.

In summary, SB 54 seeks to create a structured approach to understanding and addressing the potential links between mental health medications and violent acts, while also ensuring that law enforcement and educational institutions are prepared to handle such situations effectively.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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