Veteran-Led Push for Psychedelic Therapy Study Advances as Bill Heads to Senate Floor

 

AUSTIN-- HB 1802 by Representative Alex Dominguez (D-Brownsville) was voted out of the Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border Security this week, with overwhelming approval. With sponsorship by Chairwoman Campbell (R-New Braunfels), the bipartisan push for a study on the use of psychedelic therapy to treat PTSD in veterans will now advance to the Senate floor.

 

"For the veterans across our state who suffer from PTSD, I am proud to say we are one step closer to offering new hope and relief with HB 1802. HB 1802 will study the use of psilocybin therapy as a treatment for veterans with PTSD — early research shows great promise, and my colleagues' work today gets Texas closer to adding to that research,” said Dominguez. " For decades, our veterans have been struggling to overcome the trauma of combat, and Texas leaders recognize that. I extend my gratitude to Chairwoman Campbell, to the Capones and our veteran supporters, and to all of my colleagues who have come together to support this crucial piece of legislation."

 

Senator Donna Campbell, who chairs the Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border Security, sponsored the bill in the Senate.

 

"I am pleased to have carried this bill," said Senator Campbell. "It holds great potential promise for treating our veterans with PTSD".

 

Marcus Capone, a retired United States Navy SEAL and co-founder of the nonprofit VETS, underwent psychedelic therapy outside of the United States to treat his PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and has supported HB 1802 from day one.

 

“I know firsthand that psychedelic therapy is the next breakthrough in mental healthcare,” Capone shared. “Research suggests that these therapies are more effective than conventional treatments. The study directed by HB 1802 will save veteran lives. On behalf of all veterans, I encourage our lawmakers to pass this bill.”

 

Amber Capone, Marcus' wife and co-founder of VETS, shares in his support of the bill.

 

"This generation of veterans is coming home from decades of combat," Amber explained. "When they attempt to transition home, they struggle to deal with the challenges of trauma-related mental health conditions. Texas now has a real opportunity to lead the way in finding a new approach. We know that Texas takes care of its veterans, and I applaud Rep. Dominguez and Texas for leading the way with this critical bipartisan legislation."

 

"The progress we have made with HB 1802 is a reflection of its importance and of the commitment of our partner, VETS," added Dominguez. "VETS has assisted hundreds of veterans in receiving life-saving therapy and HB 1802 is the next phase of their mission; to bring these treatments to the United States, so our heroes no longer have to go abroad for this lifesaving therapy."

 

Founded in 2019, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides resources, research, and advocacy to improve the quality of life for U.S. combat veterans and their families. VETS intends to change the landscape of veteran healthcare and end the veteran suicide epidemic by finding meaningful alternative solutions for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS).

 

HB 1802 now heads to the full Senate on the Local and Uncontested Calendar.