Bill > SB751

This bill establishes a Veterans and Former First Responders Research Pilot Program to investigate the potential therapeutic use of psilocybin (a psychedelic compound derived from certain fungi) for veterans and former first responders with severe mental health conditions. The bill requests the University of California to establish local pilot programs in up to 5 counties, focusing on researching psilocybin services for these target populations. The pilots would be overseen by university partners responsible for protocol design, review board approvals, training, data collection, and reporting. Participants must be 21 or older, have a qualifying mental health condition, and undergo comprehensive assessments and counseling before, during, and after treatment. The program would partner with mental health clinics, veterans facilities, and other healthcare providers, ensuring psilocybin is administered by practitioners experienced in psychedelic therapy. Psilocybin would be provided under strict FDA and DEA regulations, with the goal of exploring its potential to address mental health challenges like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. The bill establishes a special fund to support the research, allows for grant and donation acceptance, and requires comprehensive reporting to the Legislature, Health and Human Services, and the Governor by January 15, 2030, with the pilot program set to expire on January 1, 2031.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB751