Alaska 33rd Legislature (2023-2024) Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 5 D · 2 I · 1 R cosponsors

HB 228 — An Act establishing the Alaska task force for the regulation of psychedelic medicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration; and providing for an effective date.

Last action — (H) MEMBER: RUFFRIDGE (CO-CHAIR)

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 16, 2024. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Mike Dunleavy (Republican) on October 09, 2024.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 82% · high confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 10 sponsors

    1 primary, 9 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 3 parties (5 D · 2 I · 1 R) — cross-party backing.

  • Mixed recorded votes

    7 passed, 2 failed in recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

82 added · 72 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of Bill HB 228 has replaced the earlier title "Alaska mental health and psychedelic medicine task force" with "Alaska task force for the regulation of psychedelic medicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration." This shift focuses the task force's mission solely on the regulation of psychedelic medicines that receive FDA approval, rather than a broader focus on mental health issues. Such a specific focus may impact how Alaska prepares for the potential medical use of these substances, particularly in terms of policy recommendations regarding licensing and insurance. This change matters because it clarifies the task force's role amid ongoing discussions about the medicalization of psychedelics, ensuring the state is ready if they become available as prescriptions.

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33-LS0976\R HOUSE BILL NO.
LAWS OF ALASKA Source Chapter No.
228 IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION BY REPRESENTATIVES ARMSTRONG, McCormick, Galvin, Josephson, Schrage, Cronk Introduced:
CSHB 228(STA) am _______ AN ACT Establishing the Alaska task force for the regulation of psychedelic medicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration;
1/16/24 Referred:
and providing for an effective date.
House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs, State Affairs A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act establishing the Alaska mental health and psychedelic medicine task force;
_______________ BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
and providing for an effective date." BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
THE ACT FOLLOWS ON PAGE 1 Enrolled HB 228 AN ACT Establishing the Alaska task force for the regulation of psychedelic medicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration;
* Section 1.
and providing for an effective date.
_______________ * Section 1.
ALASKA MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINE TASK FORCE.
ALASKA TASK FORCE FOR THE REGULATION OF PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINES APPROVED BY THE UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION.
(a) The Alaska mental health and psychedelic medicine task force is established in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
(a) The Alaska task force for the regulation ofpsychedelic medicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration is established in the legislature.
The purpose of the task force is to (1) assess the potential use of psychedelic medicine in addressing the state's ongoing mental health crisis;
The purpose of the task force is to prepare for the potential medicalization of psychedelic medicines by the United States Food and Drug Administration;
to make policy recommendations to the Alaska State Legislature concerning insurance and licensure, given the unique nature of the administration of psychedelic medicines;
and to ensure the state is -1- Enrolled HB 228 prepared if psychedelic medicines become available for prescription.
The task force shall (1) assess the potential use of psychedelic medicine in addressing the state's ongoing mental health crisis;
(3) consider and recommend licensing and insurance requirements for practitioners in the state in the event that psychedelic medicines are federally reclassified and HB0228a -1- HB 228 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0976\R approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration;
(3) consider and recommend licensing and insurance requirements for practitioners in the state in the event that psychedelic medicines are federally reclassified and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration;
and (4) consider legal and regulatory pathways to the legalization of psychedelic medicines in the state, and the potential effects of the medicines on public health.
and (4) consider legal and regulatory changes that could be necessary in the state after federal medical approval of psychedelic medicines.
(5) two members representing the health care needs of Alaska Native communities, selected by the board of directors of the Alaska Native Health Board, one of whom must be a recognized indigenous ethnoherbalist;
(5) two members representing the health care needs of Alaska Native communities, selected by the board of directors of the Alaska Native Health Board;
(7) one member representing the psychiatric profession, selected by the governing body of the Alaska Psychiatric Association;
(7) one member who is a physician or osteopath specializing in behavioral health, selected by the Board of Trustees of the Alaska State Medical Association;
(8) one member of the faculty of the division of population health sciences at the University of Alaska, selected by the president of the University of Alaska;
(8) one member who is a physician or osteopath specializing in psychiatry, selected by the governing body of the Alaska Psychiatric Association;
(9) one member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate;
(9) one member representing licensed therapists or counselors, selected by the board of directors of the Alaska Addiction Professionals Association;
(10) one member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
(10) one member representing psychiatric nurse practitioners, selected by the board of directors of the Alaska Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Alliance;
(11) up to three members selected by the task force, once assembled, that the task force determines would serve the purpose of the task force;
(11) one member who is a pharmacist, selected by the board of directors of the Enrolled HB 228 -2- Alaska Pharmacy Association;
(12) one member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate;
(13) one member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
(14) one member selected by the task force, once assembled, that the task force determines would serve the purpose of the task force;
(c) The task force shall elect a chair from among its members.
(c) The members appointed by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives under (b)(12) and (13) of this section shall serve as co-chairs of the task force.
A member appointed under (b)(12) or (13) of this section may select a designee to attend a meeting of the task force on the member's behalf.
(e) Members of the task force serve without compensation but are entitled to per diem HB 228 -2- HB0228a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS0976\R and travel expenses authorized for boards and commissions under AS 39.20.180.
(e) Members of the task force serve without compensation.
(f) The task force shall (1) meet at least four times to fulfill the purpose of the task force;
(f) The task force shall (1) meet at least four times, in person or through electronic means, to fulfill the purpose of the task force;
(2) ensure members are available for legislative hearings;
and (2) on or before January 31, 2025, submit to the senate secretary, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, and the governor a report consisting of its recommendations, and notify the legislature that the report is available.
and (3) on or before December 31, 2024, submit to the senate secretary, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, and the governor a report consisting of its recommendations, and notify the legislature that the report is available.
(g) The task force terminates on the last day of the First Regular Session of the Thirty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature.
(g) The task force terminates when the First Regular Session of the Thirty-Fifth Alaska State Legislature convenes.
(h) In this section, "task force" means the Alaska task force for the regulation of psychedelic medicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
(h) In this section, "task force" means the Alaska mental health and psychedelic medicine task force.
HB0228a -3- HB 228 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
-3- Enrolled HB 228
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How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill establishes a task force in Alaska dedicated to the regulation of psychedelic medicines approved by the FDA.

  • ALASKA TASK FORCE FOR THE REGULATION OF PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINES APPROVED BY THE UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. (a) The Alaska task force for the regulation of psychedelic medicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration is established in the legislature. The purpose of the task force is to prepare for the potential medicalization of psychedelic medicines by the United States Food and Drug Administration; to make policy recommendations to the Alaska State Legislature concerning insurance and licensure, given the unique nature of the administration of psychedelic medicines; and to ensure the state is prepared if psychedelic medicines become available for prescription. The task force shall (1) assess the potential use of psychedelic medicine in addressing the state's ongoing mental health crisis; (2) consider barriers to implementation and equitable access; (3) consider and recommend licensing and insurance requirements for practitioners in the state in the event that psychedelic medicines are federally reclassified and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration; and (4) consider legal and regulatory changes that could be necessary in the state after federal medical approval of psychedelic medicines. (b) The task force consists of the following members: (1) the commissioner of health, or the commissioner's designee; (2) the commissioner of military and veterans' affairs, or the commissioner's designee; (3) the commissioner of commerce, community, and economic development, or the commissioner's designee; (4) one member representing mental health issues in the state, selected by the state chapter of a national alliance focused on mental health and mental illness; (5) two members representing the health care needs of Alaska Native communities, selected by the board of directors of the Alaska Native Health Board; (6) one member representing the health care needs of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, selected by the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; (7) one member who is a physician or osteopath specializing in behavioral health, selected by the Board of Trustees of the Alaska State Medical Association; (8) one member who is a physician or osteopath specializing in psychiatry, selected by the governing body of the Alaska Psychiatric Association; (9) one member representing licensed therapists or counselors, selected by the board of directors of the Alaska Addiction Professionals Association; (10) one member representing psychiatric nurse practitioners, selected by the board of directors of the Alaska Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Alliance; (11) one member who is a pharmacist, selected by the board of directors of the Alaska Pharmacy Association; (12) one member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate; (13) one member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; (14) one member selected by the task force, once assembled, that the task force determines would serve the purpose of the task force; the task force is not required to make an appointment under this paragraph. (c) The members appointed by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives under (b)(12) and (13) of this section shall serve as co-chairs of the task force. A member appointed under (b)(12) or (13) of this section may select a designee to attend a meeting of the task force on the member's behalf. (d) A vacancy on the task force shall be filled in the same manner as the original selection or appointment. (e) Members of the task force serve without compensation. (f) The task force shall (1) meet at least four times, in person or through electronic means, to fulfill the purpose of the task force; and (2) on or before January 31, 2025, submit to the senate secretary, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, and the governor a report consisting of its recommendations, and notify the legislature that the report is available. (g) The task force terminates on the last day of the First Regular Session of the Thirty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature. (h) In this section, "task force" means the Alaska task force for the regulation of psychedelic medicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

    This creates a new governmental body to explore the regulation of psychedelic medicines in Alaska.

  • Sec. 2

    This Act takes effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c).

    This specifies that the act will become effective immediately upon passage.

Action History

  1. (H) MEMBER: RUFFRIDGE (CO-CHAIR)

  2. (S) MEMBER: DUNBAR (COCHAIR)

  3. (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW 9/20/24

  4. (H) LAW W/O GOV SIGNATURE 9/19 CH 60 SLA 24

  5. (H) 2:10 P.M. 8/27/24 Transmitted to Governor

  6. (S) VERSION: CSHB 228(STA) AM

  7. (S) RETURN TO (H), TRANSMIT TO GOV NEXT

  8. (S) CROSS SPONSOR(S): CLAMAN

  9. (S) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE

  10. (S) PASSED Y18 N1 E1

  11. (S) READ THE THIRD TIME CSHB 228(STA) AM

  12. (S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 5/10 CAL

  13. (S) READ THE SECOND TIME

  14. (S) RULES TO CALENDAR 5/9/2024

  15. (S) FN1: ZERO(CED)

  16. (S) NR: KAUFMAN

  17. (S) DP: CLAMAN, TOBIN

  18. (S) JUD RPT 2DP 1NR

  19. (S) Moved CSHB 228(STA) AM Out of Committee

  20. (S) JUDICIARY at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  21. (S) CROSS SPONSOR(S): DUNBAR, GRAY-JACKSON, TOBIN

  22. (S) JUD

  23. (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

  24. (H) VERSION: CSHB 228(STA) AM

  25. (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)

  26. (H) COSPONSOR(S): CRONK

  27. (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) ADOPTED Y37 N2 A1

  28. (H) PASSED Y36 N4

  29. (H) READ THE THIRD TIME CSHB 228(STA) AM

  30. (H) COSPONSOR(S): GALVIN, JOSEPHSON, SCHRAGE

  31. (H) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 5/2 CALENDAR

  32. (H) AM NO 6 NOT OFFERED

  33. (H) AM NO 5 FAILED Y1 N39

  34. (H) AM NO 4 ADOPTED Y29 N11

  35. (H) AM NO 3 FAILED Y3 N36 A1

  36. (H) AM NO 2 ADOPTED Y34 N5 A1

  37. (H) AM NO 1 AS AMD ADOPTED Y38 N1 A1

  38. (H) AM 1 TO AM 1 ADOPTED Y20 N18 A2

  39. (H) AM NO 1 OFFERED

  40. (H) STA CS ADOPTED UC

  41. (H) READ THE SECOND TIME

  42. (H) RULES TO CALENDAR 5/1/2024

  43. (H) COSPONSOR(S): MCCORMICK

  44. (H) FN1: ZERO(CED)

  45. (H) NR: CARPENTER, WRIGHT, SHAW

  46. (H) DP: CARRICK, STORY

  47. (H) STA RPT CS(STA) NEW TITLE 2DP 3NR

  48. (H) Minutes (HSTA)

  49. (H) Moved CSHB 228(STA) Out of Committee

  50. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120

  51. (H) Minutes (HSTA)

  52. (H) Heard & Held

  53. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:00 PM GRUENBERG 120

  54. (H) FIN REFERRAL REMOVED

  55. (H) FN1: ZERO(CED)

  56. (H) AM: GRAY

  57. (H) NR: GROH, CARPENTER, SHAW, WRIGHT

  58. (H) DNP: SADDLER

  59. (H) MLV RPT CS(MLV) 1DNP 4NR 1AM

  60. (H) Moved CSHB 228(MLV) Out of Committee

  61. (H) MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120

  62. (H) Heard & Held

  63. (H) MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120

  64. (H) Minutes (HMLV)

  65. (H) Heard & Held

  66. (H) MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120

  67. (H) MLV REPLACED HSS REFERRAL

  68. (H) HSS, STA, FIN

  69. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

  70. (H) Prefile released 1/8/24

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 9 co-sponsors · 55 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Armstrong

Co-sponsors (9)

Not signed on (55)

55 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 55 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Subjects

public-safety healthcare technology
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 228?
HB 228 is sponsored by Matt Claman (D), Löki Tobin (D), Elvi Gray-Jackson (D), Forrest Dunbar (D), Mike Cronk (R), Calvin Schrage (N), Andy Josephson (D), Alyse Galvin (N), Mccormick, and Armstrong.
What is the current status of HB 228?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 16, 2024. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 228?
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