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HB 7065

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DECRIMINALIZATION OF POSSESSION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF PSILOCYBIN.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Stafstrom

Decriminalizes possession of small amounts of psilocybin, reducing penalties and shifting to civil fines/diversion, with fewer license suspensions and collateral record impacts.

SENATE CALENDAR NUMBER 519
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Bill Summary · HB 7065

Summary — HB 7065

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DECRIMINALIZATION OF POSSESSION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF PSILOCYBIN

Purpose / intent

The bill’s stated purpose (by title) is to decriminalize possession of small amounts of psilocybin. That generally means removing or reducing criminal penalties for simple possession of limited quantities of psilocybin (the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms) and altering related collateral consequences and enforcement procedures. The precise legal changes require review of the bill text; the information provided here summarizes likely and implied effects based on the bill title and subject classifications.

Key provisions (summary and likely scope)

Because the bill text is not included in the materials provided, the following describes the types of provisions such a bill typically contains and which are suggested by the bill’s subjects:

  • Reclassification of possession

    • Remove or reduce criminal penalties (e.g., from a misdemeanor/felony to an infraction or civil violation) for possessing a defined “small amount” of psilocybin.
    • Define the threshold quantity that constitutes a “small amount.”

  • Penalties and alternatives

    • Eliminate or limit incarceration as a penalty for simple, small-quantity possession.
    • Possible imposition of civil fines, diversion, education, or treatment options in lieu of criminal prosecution.

  • Juvenile procedures

    • Change treatment of juveniles found in possession (e.g., handle through juvenile or diversion programs rather than adult criminal court).

  • Law enforcement and prosecution

    • Directives for police and prosecutors on handling small-amount possession cases (e.g., citations instead of arrests, charging guidance).

  • Collateral consequences

    • Address consequences such as criminal-record impacts, eligibility for certain licenses, and potential automatic record sealing or expungement for conduct decriminalized under the bill.

  • Motor vehicle/driver’s license consequences

    • Because the bill’s subjects include the Motor Vehicle Department and license suspension, it likely removes or prohibits automatic motor vehicle operator license suspension for a simple possession offense involving psilocybin.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals possessing small amounts of psilocybin — fewer arrests and convictions for simple possession if decriminalized.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors — changes to arrest, charging, and enforcement practices.
  • Courts and juvenile justice systems — likely fewer misdemeanor cases and altered handling of youth.
  • Motor Vehicle Department — potential change in processes regarding license suspensions tied to possession convictions.
  • Employers, landlords, and other entities that use criminal records — reduced records for possession offenses if convictions decline or records are sealed.
  • Public health and treatment providers — possible increased role if diversion/treatment is emphasized.

Potential impacts

  • Reduced arrests, prosecutions, and convictions for small-quantity psilocybin possession.
  • Decreased collateral penalties (e.g., driver’s license suspension) tied to such possession.
  • Potential public-safety considerations related to impaired driving; enforcement guidance will be important.
  • Possible effects on racial and socioeconomic disparities in policing and criminal records (decriminalization can reduce disproportionate impacts, depending on implementation).
  • Administrative changes for DMV and courts to implement new rules and record-handling procedures.

Legislative status and timeline (from provided actions)

  • Referred to Joint Committee on Judiciary: 2025-02-24
  • Public hearing: 2025-03-07
  • Filed with LCO / Reported out of LCO / Joint Favorable: March–April 2025 (file no. 730)
  • House Calendar number 465; Favorable report and tabled for House calendar: 2025-04-17
  • House passed: 2025-05-19 (House rejected several House amendments SCH. A–E on 05-19)
  • Senate: Favorable report, tabled for calendar; Senate calendar number 519 (05-20-2025)

As of 2025-05-20 the bill is on the Senate calendar (Senate Calendar No. 519). For the exact statutory language, definitions (e.g., the quantity that constitutes a “small amount”), and precise penalty and procedural changes, consult the bill text as filed with the Legislative Commissioners’ Office (File No. 730) or the Connecticut General Assembly bill page for HB 7065.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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