Interim Studies to Begin

By Rep. John Talley

Last week, the Speaker of the House approved over 100 interim studies. These studies, which focus on specific policy issues, were requested by House members and will be held in House committees through November.

The next few months will be packed with meetings as we bring together experts and stakeholders to speak on various policies and answer questions.

As many of you know, I chair the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee, and there were six studies assigned to my committee.

One study, requested by Rep. Daniel Pae, will examine the Annie E. Casey grant and other ways we can help keep children out of the foster care system, as well as how to improve systems for family settings in place of group placement.

Another study in the area of foster care, requested by Rep. Ross Ford and Rep. Danny Williams, will examine the implementation of the National Child ID program in Oklahoma’s foster care system. The study will also look into the current system in our state, as well as the financial threshold required for prospective parents to adopt.

The Committee will also host a third study, filed by Rep. Erick Harris, to consider possible ways to streamline the adoption process while maintaining the health, safety and welfare of minors.

One study will address a very important topic to many parents in Oklahoma: the cost of childcare. Rep. Mark Vancuren’s study will dive into what DHS has spent on child care in recent years, going back to pre-COVID, compared to anticipated changes in state and federal funding. As many parents and guardians can attest, the cost of child care in Oklahoma has risen sharply, while the number of centers has fallen.

Rep. Ajay Pittman also requested a study on child care, though hers focuses on the recent closing of community action daycare centers in minority communities.

Another study will consider teenage mental health issues and how to improve systems to help juveniles. This study was requested by Rep. Randy Randleman, a child psychologist.

I am currently working with the representatives to schedule their meetings and speakers, and I will provide more information when we have those details finalized.

These studies, while time-consuming, play an incredibly important role in the legislative process. Holding these meetings during our interim period, rather than the four months we are in session every spring, gives us an opportunity to take a deep dive into a specific policy issue or area of concern. Every year, there are dozens of bills filed as a result of interim studies.

To view the topics House members will be examining this year, visit okhouse.gov and select “Committees,” then “Interim Studies.” To view the upcoming Senate studies, visit oksenate.gov and check “Publications” under the “About Us” tab. From there, view the “Senate Studies” page, where you will need to update the year to 2024 to view the approved studies.

All these meetings are open to public attendance and are live-streamed on the House or Senate websites.

As always, please reach out if there’s anything I can assist with. You may contact me at 405-557-7304 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Rep. John Talley, a Republican, serves District 33 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Logan and Payne Counties.