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Subcommittee advances bill to clear legal path for Tennessee participation in ibogaine research
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Summary
The House Finance, Ways and Means subcommittee voted 12-0 to send HB 20 75 to full finance after adopting an amendment; sponsor Chairman Terry said the bill would authorize Tennessee institutions and patients to take part in federally approved clinical studies of ibogaine for opioid use disorder, PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
Chairman Terry pressed the committee Thursday to advance a bill designed to let Tennessee research institutions and health-care providers participate in federally approved clinical studies of ibogaine.
“Tennessee ranks number 1 in the nation for opioid use disorder diagnosis rate, and we are triple the national average,” Chairman Terry told the subcommittee, noting the state’s veteran population and high veteran overdose and suicide rates. He framed HB 20 75 as a measure to provide “clear legal authority and protection so that Tennessee research institutions, health care providers, and patients can participate in federally approved FDA clinical…studying ibogaine for opioid use disorder, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury.”
The sponsor cited a recent presidential executive order intended to speed research into treatments including ibogaine and called out federal funding streams he said could support trials. “There’s he’s putting $50,000,000 towards these research initiatives,” Chairman Terry said, and he referenced a separate HHS initiative of about $139,000,000. He said the amended bill removes any state fiscal impact and does not create a state program or require appropriations.
Representative Reeves spoke in support, recounting a constituent’s experience with opioid dependence and urging exploration of new treatment options. Deputy Speaker Zachary asked how the presidential executive order and the bill would complement each other; Chairman Terry answered that the order would accelerate FDA clinical-trial pathways and help secure investigational new drug classifications needed to study a Schedule I substance such as ibogaine.
The committee adopted amendment drafting code 018655 (the chair said it rewrites the bill) and then voted 12-0 to report HB 20 75 to full finance. There was no recorded debate on a substitute motion. The bill will next be considered by the full House Finance committee.
Provenance: Topic first introduced SEG 016; topic last discussed and voted SEG 145.
Speakers quoted or referenced (first reference in transcript): Chairman Terry (first at SEG 022), Representative Reeves (SEG 074), Deputy Speaker Zachary (SEG 094), Chair (first at SEG 001), Madam Clerk (SEG 007).
Authorities referenced in the hearing: presidential executive order on accelerating research into treatments like ibogaine (referenced by Chairman Terry), FDA investigational new drug process (referenced by Chairman Terry), HHS research initiatives (referenced by Chairman Terry).
