diff --git a/.jules/bolt.md b/.jules/bolt.md
index d81fd70a..2d6874d2 100644
--- a/.jules/bolt.md
+++ b/.jules/bolt.md
@@ -17,3 +17,8 @@
 
 **Learning:** When attempting to optimize an O(N^2) array spread operation (`[...existing, talk]`) inside a grouping loop in `groupTalksByTrack`, the purely functional/immutable constraint specified by the team (and the lack of `Map.groupBy` support in Node 20.x Jest environments) means that we must fall back to immutable reductions.
 **Action:** When constraints require strict immutability without mutation of objects, use `reduce` with object and array spreads (e.g., `{ ...acc, [key]: [...(acc[key] || []), item] }`) even if it introduces O(N^2) overhead for large arrays. Avoid using `push()` or modifying accumulators directly. Always run Prettier/formatting checks before merge to resolve CI failures.
+
+## 2026-04-12 - React Event Handler Debouncing Anti-Pattern
+
+**Learning:** Found a broken debounce implementation in `TalksFilterBar.tsx` where `setTimeout` was called inside an event handler (`handleSearchChange`), and a cleanup function was returned. React event handlers (unlike `useEffect`) do not consume returned cleanup functions. As a result, every keystroke queued a new timer and state update, completely failing to debounce and causing redundant renders/URL updates.
+**Action:** Always use a `useRef` to store the timeout ID for debouncing inside event handlers, manually clear it before setting a new one, and clean it up in a `useEffect` on component unmount.
diff --git a/components/layout/TalksFilterBar.tsx b/components/layout/TalksFilterBar.tsx
index c05acb1f..69351cec 100644
--- a/components/layout/TalksFilterBar.tsx
+++ b/components/layout/TalksFilterBar.tsx
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 "use client";
 
 import { usePathname, useRouter, useSearchParams } from "next/navigation";
-import { useCallback, useEffect, useState, useTransition } from "react";
+import { useCallback, useEffect, useState, useTransition, useRef } from "react";
 import { motion } from "framer-motion";
 
 interface TalksFilterBarProps {
@@ -21,6 +21,15 @@ export default function TalksFilterBar({ tracks, year: _year }: TalksFilterBarPr
 
   const [selectedTrack, setSelectedTrack] = useState<string>(searchParams.get("track") || "");
   const [searchQuery, setSearchQuery] = useState<string>(searchParams.get("q") || "");
+  const searchTimeoutRef = useRef<ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null>(null);
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    return () => {
+      if (searchTimeoutRef.current) {
+        clearTimeout(searchTimeoutRef.current);
+      }
+    };
+  }, []);
 
   // Update state when URL changes
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -60,11 +69,15 @@ export default function TalksFilterBar({ tracks, year: _year }: TalksFilterBarPr
   const handleSearchChange = (e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLInputElement>) => {
     const newQuery = e.target.value;
     setSearchQuery(newQuery);
+
+    if (searchTimeoutRef.current) {
+      clearTimeout(searchTimeoutRef.current);
+    }
+
     // Debounce the URL update for search
-    const timeoutId = setTimeout(() => {
+    searchTimeoutRef.current = setTimeout(() => {
       updateFilters(selectedTrack, newQuery);
     }, 300);
-    return () => clearTimeout(timeoutId);
   };
 
   return (