Senate Pro Tem Paxton approves Interim Study requests for 2025 Legislative interim

Pro Tem Paxton Approves Interim Study Requests for 2025 Legislative Interim

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 2nd) – Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, has approved a series of interim study requests that will be considered during the Oklahoma Senate’s interim period.

Interim studies have been assigned to relevant Senate committees and will be scheduled at the discretion of each committee chair. All approved studies must be completed by October 31.

These studies allow lawmakers to take a deeper dive into important issues facing the state ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

Sen. Thompson announces interim study on limiting food dyes

Senator Thompson Announces Interim Study on Limiting Food Dyes

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 19th) – Following up on legislation from earlier this year, Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, today announced she has filed for an interim study to further the conversation and research potentially harmful food dyes.

“Families deserve to know what’s in their food, and more importantly, what’s in their children’s food,” Thompson said. “This is about making informed choices and improving the health and wellbeing of Oklahoma families. With industry already beginning to make changes, we have a tremendous opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive. Through this study I intend to show why and how Oklahoma can become a model state for others as we try to improve health outcomes.”

State House interim study examines rural firefighter retention

Smith Studies Rural Firefighter Retention

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 30th) – Rep. David Smith, R-Arpelar, last week held an interim study to examine issues surrounding recruiting and retaining volunteer rural firefighters.

The packed study was held before the House Public Safety Committee on Oct. 21 at the State Capitol.

"Living in rural Oklahoma, I know the importance of rural firefighters," Smith said. "We've got 60 and 70-year-olds fighting fires because we can't get some of the younger people to come up."

Legislators highlight Administrative Rules, Open Meetings Act online portals

Kendrix, Bergstrom Highlight Rules, Open Meetings Act Online Portals

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 28th) – Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, and Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, recently held an interim study examining Oklahoma's current administrative rules process and considering how it could be made more efficient and transparent.

"One of the things we’ve been working on is trying to make this process more transparent, get more people involved in it, make it more accountable not only to us as legislators but also to the public, where more people are aware of the rules process—how it works, the notification process, the public comment process," Kendrix said during the study. "We've been working with the secretary of state on the portal that they have, to try to make that better for everybody involved."

State Sens. Pugh, Seifried hold in-depth interim study on crisis of cell phones in schools

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Pugh, Seifried hold in depth interim study on crisis of cell phones in schools

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 23rd) – Sens. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, hosted a robust, two-day interim study this week to examine the detrimental effects of cell phone use among K-12 students in schools.

Pugh, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, and Seifried, the committee’s vice chair, urged their fellow committee members to invite local educators and national experts to present. As a result, about a dozen speakers from a wide range of backgrounds spoke at the study. They included teachers, school administrators, mental health experts, a psychiatrist and a neuroscientist.

The presenters noted the correlation between kids’ phone use and poor academic outcomes, increased anxiety and overall worse mental health. The speakers overwhelmingly expressed support for restricting students’ phone use in schools and many urged lawmakers to craft a statewide policy that provides districts some flexibility.

Pugh said he wants Oklahoma to lead the nation on this issue by empowering schools to find innovative ways to create phone-free campuses. 

“The effects of social media and excessive device usage have significantly impacted the mental health, social skills, academic progress, and literacy rates of Oklahoma students, and exacerbated other concerns such as cyberbullying,” Pugh said. “The expertise and classroom experiences shared during this comprehensive interim study indicated that urgent action is needed to help school districts address these unique challenges. Our committee is dedicated to fostering positive learning outcomes for students across our state, and we will continue to explore legislative solutions to mitigate the issues associated with cell phone use in schools.”

After introducing legislation last year to create a pilot program to limit student phone usage, Seifried said legislative action to restrict devices for the entire school day is overdue.

“This study reinforces what many of us already know: Cell phones are undoubtedly a distraction in schools, negatively impacting students’ mental health and academic performance,” Seifried said. “Our job now is to build on this momentum and craft policies that restrict phone use from bell to bell in a manner that supports our schools and our dedicated educators.

“I’m committed to working with parents, teachers, administrators and mental health professionals to find a way to get smartphones out of classrooms so Oklahoma students can reach their full potential at school and at home.”

Mental health experts who presented in the study talked about the addictive nature of smartphones and social media, especially for kids because their brains are still developing. Across the country, test scores have dropped and rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents have skyrocketed as smartphones have become ubiquitous and social media platforms have become more popular, said New York University scientist Zachary Rausch.

Oklahoma Union Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Taylor said students, parents and staff in her district supported a new policy prohibiting smartphones in the classroom. Since the district implemented the change, teachers have noticed students are more engaged in their coursework, there are fewer distractions and kids are interacting with each other more, Taylor said.

Healthy Minds Policy Initiative Executive Director Zack Stoycoff said eight states have enacted statewide policies to ban or restrict cell phones in schools. He said there is clearly a link between youth phone usage and mental health and well-being.

Nationally, middle and high school students spend nearly five hours a day on social media. One in four adolescent Oklahomans said they typically feel like they can’t go a day without social media, and one in five Oklahoma high schoolers said social media made them feel worse about their lives, he said.

Seifried and Pugh plan to file legislation on this issue ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Bill filing begins Nov. 15.

State Sen. Bergstrom leads interim study on Administrative Rules process

An oft-overlooked but vital role for the Oklahoma Legislature is government oversight, especially in the approval or disapproval of administrative rules - how regulations are implemented by government agencies. I'm glad to see this getting some much-needed attention.

Bergstrom Leads Interim Study on Administrative Rules Process

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 23rd) - On Wednesday, Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, alongside Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, chaired an interim study with the Administrative Rules Committee to examine the current process agencies use to submit rules and how those rules are reviewed by the committee.

"It's important that we take a close look at each rule to ensure it serves a real purpose and doesn’t create unnecessary burdens,” Bergstrom said. “We also have to consider whether they have negative economic impacts or restrict individual freedoms. Above all, we must ensure they uphold constitutional principles."

Senate committee studies social media regulations to protect children

Sen. Jech Holds Interim Study Evaluating Social Media Regulations to Protect Children

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 18th) – Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, held an interim study in the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday to evaluate how to protect children from the harmful effects of social media use and analyze potential regulatory solutions.

“The information brought forward during this study revealed the alarming prevalence of mental health issues among youth who are active on social media,” Jech said. “We are facing an epidemic that demands urgent action. It’s vital that we explore protective measures and regulations while also educating both parents and young people about the risks and mental health challenges linked to online activity.”

Gann highlights suppression of license plate scanner evidence by State Court

Gann Highlights Suppression of License Plate Scanner Evidence by State Court

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 30th) – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, has taken notice of what he believes is the first of many actions by Oklahoma courts to suppress evidence obtained from license plate scanners.

“The decision will place many cases against perpetrators of criminal acts in jeopardy,” Gann explained.

According to Gann, the issue arises from local government entities entering into contracts with a nationwide big-tech firm, Flock, to install 24/7 vehicle scanning technology—despite such actions being prohibited by Oklahoma law.

“When the government uses these devices to scan every passing vehicle, they are violating Oklahoma law. This puts every resulting conviction in jeopardy,” Gann stated.

Senate Pro Tem Treat announces list of approved interim studies

Pro Tem Treat Announces List of Approved Interim Studies

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 28th) – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City today announced the approved list of interim studies that will be discussed during the legislative interim.

In total, 39 interim study requests were approved and have been assigned to a committee. It is at the discretion of each individual committee chair as to whether a study will be scheduled.

All interim studies must be concluded by November 1.

Deevers calls for interim study on self-managed abortion as death pill billboards pop up around state

Dobbs Anniversary: Abortion Pill Billboards Pop Up Around Oklahoma -- Deevers Calls for Interim Study

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 24th) — On the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, responded to the presence of billboards advertising the abortion pill in Oklahoma. Deevers refuted the common misconception that abortion has been ended in the state and has proposed an interim study to investigate the prevalence of abortion pill sales and self-managed abortion.

“Abortion pill companies are taunting us,” Deevers said. “They know the pro-life laws we passed in recent years have a massive loophole and they are taking full advantage of it.”

One such billboard was spotted along Interstate 35 just South of Goldsby. The billboard depicts a woman’s hand holding abortion pills with the message: “Need to be un-pregnant?” Beneath the message is a link to the website where the death-inducing pills can be ordered.

Time change: Rep. Kevin West continues pushing switch to permanent Standard Time

This was a very interesting press release. I learned, for example, that states cannot exempt themselves from Standard Time due to federal regulations. Read on for more:

Rep. Kevin West Comments on Time Change

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore, today commented on the time change Oklahomans will experience this weekend when they "fall back" from daylight saving to standard time at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.  

"The only way to lock the clock in Oklahoma and to stop this twice yearly time change is to switch to permanent standard time," West said. "I've long advocated for this and after my recent interim study on the issue, I realize it is as important as ever to continue my efforts."

House Committee hears study on economic impact of State Parks

Committee Hears Study on Economic Impact of State Parks

OKLAHOMA CITY – A study on the economic impact of Oklahoma State Parks have on their communities met Monday before the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee. The study was organized by Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore.

Townley opened the meeting by expressing her gratitude for everyone participating in the study.

"I hope this study will bring awareness to the fact that we need improvements in capital infrastructure. It is all of our desire to see want to see Oklahoma growing and thriving," Townley said. "Oklahoma State Parks are a vital part of our state and have the potential to create more growth."

Townley reminded attendees that the tourism industry is the state's third largest economic driver and should be invested in regularly.

State Senate committee studies solutions to reverse state's turkey population decline

Senate committee looks for ways to increase state’s turkey population

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Tourism and Wildlife Committee heard from wildlife experts Monday about why Oklahoma has seen a significant decline it its turkey population. Sen. Blake “Cowboy” Stephens, R-Tahlequah, requested the study to find possible legislative solutions to increase their numbers.

“As someone who grew up hunting in rural Oklahoma, I’m extremely concerned and saddened by the disturbing drop we’ve seen in our state’s turkey population in recent years,” Stephens said. “We have a legislative and moral responsibility to protect not only our state lands, but the species that inhabit them, including the wild turkey.  I appreciate the recommendations we received from our state’s wildlife experts and am looking forward to working with my colleagues to help better protect the majestic thunder chicken as it is fondly referred to.”

Senate Pro Tem Treat announces interim study requests

Pro Tem Treat Announces Interim Study Requests

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 27th) – Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today announced the approval of interim study requests that will be discussed during the legislative interim.

A total of 61 requests were approved and will now be heard before their respective committees for further consideration. It is now at the discretion of each committee chair whether to schedule the study.

Pro Tem Treat said interim studies will occur over the summer months and must conclude by November 3.

Sen. Kirt to hold interim study Monday on Oklahoma’s ethics laws

This has the potential to be good, though at least one of the guest speakers (Moore) is a liberal hack. Oklahoma's ethics laws could use some reform, and the Ethics Commission needs additional funding and authority to actually give it some teeth to see that the laws are enforced (see the whole dark money fiasco plaguing Oklahoma right now). 

Sen. Kirt to hold interim study on Oklahoma’s Ethics

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 21st) – Sen. Julia Kirt [D-OKC] will hold an interim study on Oct. 24 focused on Oklahoma’s laws for ethics and accountability for elected officials.

State Reps study Medical Marijuana impacts on Counties

Humphrey, Kevin West Study Medical Marijuana Impacts on Counties

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, and Kevin West, R-Moore, on Tuesday held an interim study before the House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances Committee to discuss the impact to counties from the explosion of medical marijuana, growers, dispensers and users.

"We're following up today on what we saw in other medical marijuana studies and how this is affecting our counties," Humphrey said. "We're looking at what we need to do as a state to improve and do a better job of regulating this new industry."

West said he's heard from numerous constituents about the effect of this industry in his House district, from grow facilities to dispensaries.

"Just like any business," West said, "We have to make sure the business owner is obeying local ordinances and state law. We must ensure public safety and that our county and municipal resources are adequate to handle the demands placed on them."

During the study, lawmakers heard from county commissioners, a county sheriff, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), a district attorney, a county assessor and others who addressed issues from multiple angles.

House interim study considers how to best utilize space port at Burns Flat

Committee Considers Avenues to Utilize Burns Flat

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, hosted an interim study Friday morning before the House Government Modernization Committee to consider avenues to help Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) reach its full potential as a competitive industrial authority.

The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is a development authority created in 1999 to operate a 2,700 spaceport near Burns Flat. The Oklahoma Air & Space Port and Aerospace Industrial Park at Clinton-Sherman Airport (CSM) features the fourth largest all-weather runway in North America at 13,503 feet long, an adjacent 5,193-foot runway and facilities that include an air traffic control tower, six large hangars and 96 acres of pavement for parking and storage.

“I really think that we’ve got a jewel out there,” Townley said while describing her first visit to Burns Flat. “Why are we not doing something with this?”

Oklahoma State Director of Aeronautics Grayson Ardies spoke on the value of the state’s airport system. He said the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission works to ensure a thriving aviation and aerospace industry and grow Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace workforce, an important part of which is the preservation and improvement of the state’s 108 public airports.

Steve Fendley, president for the unmanned systems division of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, said Kratos opened a facility in Oklahoma because of the existing aerospace hub within the state, as well as the state incentives, supportive community and affordable cost of living.

State Sen. Murdock to file legislation to ease ag sales tax exemption renewal

Murdock to file legislation after findings of ag sales tax exemption interim study

On the heels of an interim study dedicated to examining Oklahoma’s agricultural sales tax exemption, Sen. Casey Murdock said he’s preparing to file a measure ahead of the next legislative session to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to renew their sales tax exemption card.

“When the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) began requiring a Schedule F for agriculturalists to qualify for their sales tax exemption, we passed Senate Bill 422 to add additional documentation farmers and ranchers could provide to OTC in lieu of the Schedule F,” Murdock said. “After working with the tax commission, I’ve found these changes are working – there’s no backlog of producers getting their card, and denials are typically because the applicant hasn’t correctly filled out the form. However, we also learned the vast majority of the 110,000 ag sales tax exemption cards issued each year are renewals, so now we need a way to make the renewal process easier and more convenient.”

Murdock said his proposal will include an additional option on the agricultural sales tax exemption application that will allow the farmer or rancher to check a box if the application is a renewal, as well as confirm there’s no change to the agricultural operation from the prior year. If there’s no change, the renewal will be automatic.

State House Judiciary Committee holds interim study on Restorative Justice programs

Tammy West Studies Restorative Justice

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 20th) – State Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, the chair of the Majority Caucus in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, today held an interim study examining the issue of restorative justice as an alternative to traditional criminal justice models for non-violent offenders.

The study was held before the House Judiciary Committee.

“I wanted to take a closer look at restorative justice programs and how they are working in other states and how they might be a viable alternative here in Oklahoma as part of our overall reform of the criminal justice system,” West said.

Jason Hicks, a prosecutor with Oklahoma’s Sixth Prosecutorial District, explained how he got interested in restorative justice as an alternative form of justice in Oklahoma.

Hicks said there are too many people inside our prisons on low-level, non-violent charges. Restorative justice keeps people safe but deals with these offenders in a different way. What caught his attention was the program was victim-centered. He said it is so important for victims to have a voice in anything that is done. Another plus was the low recidivism rates for offenders who went through the program. It also is community-driven, which is something missing from traditional criminal justice programs.

He said the program restores the victim and the community while educating the offender.

Jeff Reisig, the district attorney for Yolo County, CA, and Nicole Kirklady, director of Neighborhood Court in Yolo County, spoke about the success of their program.

Reisig said he’s a traditional DA serving a mix of rural and urban cities, much like most of Oklahoma. He said his mission is to seek justice and do justice, but he found that often in the traditional court system it worked too much like a turnstile, giving victims very little say in the punishment of their offender. This program is completely voluntary for both the offender and the victim, and it gives victims a say in a punishment they feel is appropriate. He said victims are compensated for their crimes and they work to make sure the victim is made whole. It also gives community volunteers an opportunity to have input into the process. It’s also important to note, Reisig said, that the offender by the end of the program is restored to the community where they can become an active participant again, which he said adds to the success of the program.

He said this has reduced incarceration and recidivism rates in his county. He said another important component is that this is DA-driven and not something forced upon the DAs. He also said his department has been able to make this work on a shoestring budget.

Reisig explained the program does not take sex offenders, DUI offenders or perpetrators of certain other crimes. He did say, however, that many of the people that formerly were on the other side of the picket line from prosecutors, the police and the courts have now become their best community partners.

Carrie Slaton-Hodges, commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuses Services, said this type of program could help Oklahoma in several ways. It would give offenders an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions and to listen to the side of victims and the community about how their crime impacted them, which is incredibly important in changing behavior. She said this also could help stop offenders earlier in their trajectory before crimes move from misdemeanors to felonies. In addition, it gives communities the opportunity to see where changes might be needed to help stop some offenses. For instance, were crimes committed because of a lack of access to food, transportation or other services?  

Jari Askins, director of the Oklahoma Administrative Office of the Courts, and Phil Johnson with the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program, explained how the ADR program currently works in Oklahoma and how that program might be used to support a restorative justice model here in the state.

Kathryn Brewer with the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council spoke about potential legislation that could help create a restorative justice program in Oklahoma. She said there are easy statutory fixes that could make a pilot program available as soon as next Nov. 1 as long as funding can be identified. She said the program would be a win-win for everyone.

Tammy West serves District 84 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes part of Oklahoma County.

House Speaker, Senate Pro Tem announce 2020 interim studies

Speaker Shares Approved Interim Studies

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 24th) – House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, today announced approval of more than 70 interim studies requested by lawmakers and assigned to House committees.

McCall approved 74 interim studies after receiving 92 study requests from members. Four study requests were combined with another study to examine similar topics. Additionally, four of the 74 studies have been approved as joint studies to be conducted in partnership with the Senate.

The approved studies cover a wide range of topics, including criminal justice reform, economic development and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic within the state. Having been approved, House committees may now begin scheduling studies.