California Launches First-in-Nation Happiness Committee

Aiming to prioritize happiness in policymaking, California Assemblyman Anthony Rendon initiates a unique committee to study happiness and its implications for public policy.

• California Assemblyman Anthony Rendon forms the Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy Outcomes, marking a pioneering effort in the U.S. to focus on happiness in policymaking.
• Inspired by Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Index, the committee will explore how to incorporate happiness into government decisions and create conditions for citizens to pursue happiness.
• The committee, which held its first public hearing this week, plans to release a report with its findings by the end of August.
• Research indicates leisure activities, social relationships, and life circumstances significantly contribute to happiness, suggesting areas for potential government action.
• California's initiative reflects a broader trend of recognizing happiness as an essential factor in governance, with the state often leading in progressive policies.

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