House Bill 6734 (sHB6734 File No. 616) aims to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of psilocybin by redefining "hallucinogenic substances" to include psilocybin and setting fines for possession of less than one-half ounce at $150 for a first offense and $200 to $500 for subsequent offenses. The bill requires law enforcement to seize and destroy the substance and refers repeat offenders to a drug education program. It also modifies penalties for possession of other controlled substances and exempts certain drug paraphernalia from being classified as a misdemeanor when intended for use with cannabis or small amounts of psilocybin. The bill proposes an effective date of October 1, 2023.

The bill introduces changes to the general statutes, including a new section that alters the burden of proof for certain violations to preponderance of the evidence and specifies conditions for adjudicating a child as "delinquent." The fiscal impact statement suggests potential savings for the Department of Correction and Judicial Department, but also a potential loss in revenue from fines. The bill includes a 60-day driver's license suspension for individuals under 21 convicted under the bill and clarifies that psilocybin is a "hallucinogenic substance" under state law. The Judiciary Committee passed the bill with a joint favorable substitute vote on March 30, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-111e
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-111e
File No. 616: 14-111e