Veterans and Former First Responders Research Pilot Program.

Senators Becker and Jones have proposed establishing a research pilot program through the University of California system to study psilocybin-assisted therapy for veterans and former first responders with severe mental health disorders. The program would operate in up to five counties through 2031, with university partners overseeing protocol design, institutional review board approvals, and data collection.

The legislation requires that psilocybin services be provided by practitioners experienced in psychedelic therapy under strict FDA and DEA guidelines. Participants must be at least 21 years old, undergo comprehensive assessments, and receive detailed information about treatment implications, alternatives, and their right to withdraw. Partner healthcare facilities would deliver services while collecting data on program outcomes and participant experiences.

A new Veterans and Former First Responders Research Pilot Special Fund would support program administration, staff training, data analysis, and counseling services through state appropriations, grants, and federal funding. University partners must submit regular progress reports, with a peer-reviewed efficacy study due by January 2029 and final recommendations to state leadership by January 2030. The program includes data-sharing provisions to facilitate research collaboration while maintaining appropriate privacy protections.