Bill > HF609

This bill modifies Iowa's Religious Freedom Restoration Act to explicitly include the use of psychoactive substances like psilocybin and peyote in religious or spiritual ceremonies as a protected form of religious exercise. Specifically, the bill expands the definition of "exercise of religion" to encompass the use of these substances during religious ceremonies, and clarifies that state actions cannot substantially burden such religious practices, even if those actions stem from generally applicable rules (such as controlled substance regulations). The bill maintains that any government restriction on such religious practices must meet a high legal standard: the government must prove that the burden is necessary to further a compelling governmental interest and that it is using the least restrictive means possible to achieve that interest. This modification provides broader legal protection for religious groups that use psychoactive substances as part of their spiritual practices, potentially allowing them to use substances like psilocybin (found in certain mushrooms) and peyote in ceremonial contexts without facing legal penalties.

Justice

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF609