Interim studies to begin in Senate

It’s hard to believe that the regular session adjourned over a month ago. We’re technically still in special session and may be called back to the Capitol before July 31 to possibly work to override more of the governor’s vetoes, but no word as of yet. 

Work will soon be underway on 2023 interim studies after Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat approved more than 70 requests.  While each request is assigned to a committee, it is up to that committee’s chair to decide if they’ll schedule a hearing on a particular topic.

 Two studies were assigned to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, which I chair. I’m currently reviewing those requests, including a study on an innovative technology created by Oklahoman Sharina Perry that turns plants into plastics and another examining industrial hemp production in the state.

Several studies have also been assigned to the other committees I serve on, including several to the Energy and Telecommunications Committee on flood issues, nuclear power plants, electricity, and performance based rates (PBR) and rights of first refusal (ROFR). The Aeronautics and Transportation Committee could be looking into updating electric vehicle charging around the state, and the feasibility of utilizing a compost program for roadside service and soil stabilization. Finally, the only study assigned to the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee would examine the Afghan refugee placement and assistance program. You can find a complete list of the approved studies at oksenate.gov/publications/senate-interim-studies. Once approved, the schedules will be posted, and any presentations made at the meetings are published online as well.

At the beginning of the month, more than 50 news laws went into effect as the new fiscal year got underway. The ones of greatest interest are probably the $3,000 to $6,000 teacher and certified personnel pay raises, six-week teacher maternity leave, school safety improvements, major investments into reading sufficiency and adjusted school weights to better serve our public schools, especially those in rural Oklahoma. I’m also excited that moving forward all high school seniors will have to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what financial aid may be available to them.

Pursuing a higher education can be costly but there is so much student aid available and we want to make sure they know what resources they qualify for as they make decisions about their future.

Another important safety measure for schools also went into effect that will allow school districts to keep glucagon onsite. This is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels to treat severe hypoglycemia and can help save a child’s life in an emergency situation should they forget their insulin or other diabetes medication or medical equipment. 

You can learn more about the other new laws on the Senate website. Also, please follow my Facebook page @SenatorKidd to keep up with the latest news from the Capitol and around Senate District 31.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving our district and the State of Oklahoma in the Senate. If I can be of any assistance, you can reach me at (405) 521-5563 or Chris.Kidd@oksenate.gov.