HB 228-MENTAL HEALTH/PSYCHEDELIC MED. TASK FORCE  3:54:20 PM CHAIR SHAW announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 228, "An Act establishing the Alaska mental health and psychedelic medicine task force; and providing for an effective date." [Before the committee was CSHB 228(MLV).] 3:54:42 PM REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK moved to adopt Amendment 1 to HB 228, labeled 33-LS0976\P.1, Bergerud, 3/20/24, which read as follows: Page 1, line 1: Delete "mental health and psychedelic medicine  task force" Insert "task force for the regulation of  psychedelic medicines approved by the United States  Food and Drug Administration" Page 1, line 6: Delete "MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINE TASK FORCE" Insert "TASK FORCE FOR THE REGULATION OF PSYCHEDELIC MEDICINES APPROVED BY THE UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION" Page 1, line 7: Delete "mental health and psychedelic medicine task force" Insert "task force for the regulation of psychedelic medicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration" Page 3, lines 16 - 17: Delete "mental health and psychedelic medicine task force" Insert "task force for the regulation of psychedelic medicines approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration" 3:54:48 PM REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT objected. REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK explained that Amendment 1 to HB 228 changes the name of the task force to provide clarity about what the task force will do. She emphasized that the task force will not take a position on the legalization, decriminalization, or medicalization of psychedelic drugs. She said the new title accurately describes the task force as being responsible for making statutory and regulatory recommendations to the Alaska State Legislature should the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve psychedelic medicine. 3:55:35 PM The committee took a brief at-ease. 3:56:28 PM REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT removed his objection. CHAIR SHAW announced that there being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted. 3:56:34 PM CHAIR SHAW opened public testimony on HB 228. 3:56:46 PM MICHAEL DEMOLINA, PhD, President, Wisdom Traditions, provided his personal background as a veteran and behavioral science specialist. He provided information about the California Institute of Integral Studies program, which is likely to become the program the FDA will approve if psychedelic medicine is approved. He explained that he is in support of HB 228 because it puts Alaska ahead of the curve, if the FDA medicalizes psychedelic medicine, which may occur as soon as August 2024. He noted his experience and expertise on traumatic stress disorders and the potential opportunities for trauma treatment. He explained that, without a task force, Alaska would lack necessary guidelines. 3:59:23 PM CHAIR SHAW, after ascertaining that no one else wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 228. 3:59:37 PM REPRESENTATIVE JENNIFER ARMSTRONG, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor, provided wrap up comments for HB 228. She noted that many medical treatments can be controversial. The creation of the task force is not intended to promote or take a position on psychedelic medicines. The reason for the task force is to ensure a thorough conversation around licensing in the state. 4:01:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE STORY expressed her appreciation and asked about the makeup of the task force. REPRESENTATIVE ARMSTRONG answered that there would be 16 slots on the task force, which include a commissioner or designee from the Departments of Health, Military and Veteran's Affairs, and Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. There would be spots on the task force for people who represent mental health issues in the state, members from the Alaska Native Health Board, a psychiatrist, a member who represents health care needs of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and medical professionals. Finally, the task force would include members from the Alaska State Senate, House of Representatives, and three members selected by the task force once assembled. 4:03:40 PM REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT moved to report CSHB 228(MLV) out of committee, as amended, with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 228(STA) was reported from the House State Affairs Standing Committee.