OKLAHOMA CITY – A state Advisory Council on Traumatic Brain Injury is one step closer to fruition as House Bill 1010 unanimously passed the House Appropriations and Budget committee Thursday with a vote of 32-0.

HB1010, authored by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater, creates an Advisory Council on Traumatic Brain Injury to provide guidelines and advice to agencies and other entities. The TBI Advisory Council will work with the Dept of Health in collecting data, identifying needs, clarifying deficiencies in care, researching causes and promoting prevention.

“Today, Oklahoma is behind other states when it comes to addressing Traumatic Brain Injury,” Ranson said. “As science evolves, we need to adapt and institute policies that protect our state’s greatest asset – its people.”

This is the second time HB1010 has been through the House legislative process. It passed the House in 2020 but stalled due to COVID. She is appreciative of the bipartisan support the legislation has received.

“This is a constituent request bill by a TBI survivor/advocate named Alicia Murie,” Ranson said. “Her story and determination are inspiring, and today we took a step in recognizing that determination by unanimously passing this legislation in committee. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation makes it to the governor’s desk and is signed in law.”

Ranson’s office can be reached at (405)557-7411 or [email protected].