Couch to Capitol: August 2026 Legislative Updates

Send us Fan Mail We’d love to hear from our listeners! In our August Couch to Capitol Episode, Lauren Collins-Knight, MA, LPCC breaks down ongoing legislation at the state and federal levels that may be helpful for counselors to keep an eye on. While the legislators are on break, that doesn’t mean our advocacy needs to be put on hold. Listen on to stay informed and involved with ongoing OCA advocacy efforts!  State Level SB 274/HB 172 - Prohibiting mental health care of minors without parental consent (OPPOSE) Share written testimony with OCA’s Government Relations Committee via email at [email protected] HB 724 - Mental Health Wellness Checks (SUPPORT) Contact your state rep to prioritize this bill when session resumes.  HB 327 - Parents Pride Act (SUPPORT) Contact your state rep to prioritize this bill when session resumes.  HB 300 - Prohibiting conversion therapy (SUPPORT) Contact your state rep to prioritize this bill when session resumes.  HB 220 - Prior Authorizations (SUPPORT) Contact your state rep to prioritize this bill when session resumes.  HB 716 - All Claims Payer Database (SUPPORT) Contact your state rep to prioritize this bill when session resumes.  HB 346 - "V.J.'s Law" OCA is working to better understand this proposed bill and its implications for Ohio counselors. We encourage you to contact OCA’s Government Relations Committee if you would like your voice to be heard.  HB 525 - Regards Use of Artificial Intelligence in Therapy Services (SUPPORT) Contact your state rep to prioritize this bill when session resumes.  Federal Level S.4407 - CHATBOT ACT (SUPPORT) Contact your state rep to prioritize this bill when session resumes.  SB 4202 Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 (SUPPORT) Contact your state rep to prioritize this bill when session resumes.  HR 7324 The More Behavioral Health Providers Act (SUPPORT) Urge your Ohio representatives to cosponsor the More Behavioral Health Providers Act today via NBCC.  HR 7394 The Mental Health Career Promotion Act (SUPPORT) Contact your state rep to prioritize this bill when session resumes.  Multiple Threats to Counselor Workforce Development (OPPOSE) Other GRC Town Hall - registration open now for August 28th virtual town hall from 12-1pm OCA Lunch & Learns - registration open now for September 4th virtual Lunch & Learn from 12-1pm AOCC - early bird registration available until October 7th  If you want clear, counselor-focused mental health policy updates, subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review so more counselors can find it. Connect with Us on Any or All Socials at our Link Tree!  OCA Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ohiocounseling Created by the OCA's Media, Public Relations, and Membership (MPRM) Committee & its Podcast Subcommittee  Hosted by Lauren Collins-Knight Pre-Production & Coordination by Lauren Collins-Knight, Victoria Frazier, Mariah Payne, and Dr. Marisa Cargill Editing by Lauren Collins-Knight