Under a bill that has passed out of the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife committee, mock meat might have a hard go of it in Oklahoma.
The bill, SB 96, requires cell-cultured meats or insect-protein food products to be clearly labeled as such.
“This legislation fosters transparency and promotes informed consent by requiring clear labeling of food products made from cell-cultured meats or insect protein, ensuring consumers are fully aware of what they are purchasing and consuming,” Sen. Warren Hamilton of McCurtain said. He is the author of the bill. “The provisions of this measure will eliminate any confusion amongst consumers about which products are made through traditional agricultural production and processing, versus products made in a lab or with insect parts. By implementing these labeling requirements, consumers can make informed choices based on their preferences and dietary needs,” he continued. Hamilton also wrote a bill, SB 445 that raises the age of consent in Oklahoma from 16 to 18.
A bill from Rep. Mark Tedford of Jenks would replace the federal healthcare plan marketplace with a similar state marketplace. The bill’s intent to give Oklahoma more control over plan management decisions, allowing for a system tailored to the specific needs of residents.
“Oklahoma should have the ability to manage its own health care marketplace rather than relying on a one-sizefits- all federal system,” Tedford said. “This bill is a step toward ensuring more choice and flexibility for Oklahomans.” One of the bills getting much media coverage is HB 1276, eliminating the use of cell phones by students during the school day. Personal electronic devices, including smartwatches, are also included under the measure. The legislation requires that any policy prohibiting cell phone use must also include a provision for emergency use, including items used for medical issues. The bill also leaves it up to the local district how it chooses to implement the cell phone ban.
'The research is clear – cell phone use among young students is not only bad for their mental health, but also hurts academic outcomes,' said Chairman of the House Appropriations Education Subcommittee Chad Caldwell of Enid, author of the bill.
The bill was the first to pass the House of Representatives and is now in the Senate for further consideration.