Oklahoma Legislators Take Advantage of Special Session

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma legislators are taking advantage of a special session to conduct a series of interim studies on a wide range of issues.

Since lawmakers returned to the state Capitol on Tuesday, interim hearings have been held to study topics like unemployment benefits, the electoral college, and new common core standards for students in public schools.

House leaders have said conducting the interim studies while the Legislature already is in special session will help reduce costs for travel reimbursement.

Gov. Mary Fallin called the special session for the Legislature to address a series of changes to the state’s civil justice system that were ruled unconstitutional by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in June.

Lawmakers typically hold interim studies during the fall to explore issues before the Legislature convenes in February.