Wisconsin Senate Bill SB727

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/21/23
• Refer: 11/21/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Creating a medicinal psilocybin treatment fund and a pilot program to study the effects of medicinal psilocybin treatment on patients with post-traumatic stress syndrome at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, SB727 will create a separate nonlapsible trust fund known as the medicinal psilocybin treatment fund, which will be replenished through donations, gifts, grants, and state allocations. This fund aims to cover not only operational expenses of the pilot program but also any additional costs incurred through the administration of the program. The legislation marks a significant step in integrating innovative treatment options into state health services and, if successful, could influence broader mental health treatment policies for veterans and others suffering from PTSD.

Summary

Senate Bill 727 seeks to establish a pilot program for the study of medicinal psilocybin treatment specifically aimed at veterans experiencing treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). The bill proposes creating a dedicated fund to support this initiative, which will be administered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison in collaboration with its Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Psychoactive Substances and its School of Pharmacy. The bill's primary goal is to assess the efficacy of psilocybin as a therapeutic option for veterans over the age of 21, excluding law enforcement personnel from participation.

Contention

Notably, the bill has faced scrutiny regarding its eligibility criteria, particularly the exclusion of law enforcement officers from participation. This could elicit debate over whether such exclusions are justified or overly restrictive. Additionally, the bill's reliance on a novel treatment modality like psilocybin may draw concern regarding safety, regulatory permissions, and ethical considerations governing the administration of psychedelic substances. As the pilot program progresses, findings will be reported to the governor and relevant legislative committees, which may further highlight the bill's potential as a template for future mental health and substance use legislation.