Sen. Hicks tackles interim studies ahead of 2026 session

OKLAHOMA CITY – Improved access to health care, ensuring transparency and accountability in school choice programs on behalf of students, families, and taxpayers, and solving more cold cases, particularly for violent crimes, are among the interim study topics by Sen. Carri Hicks approved by Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton this year. Hicks said she’ll be working with committee chairs who have the final say on scheduling hearings for the approved interim studies.

“Our state has unbounded potential for growth and prosperity, but we can only achieve those things if we find real solutions for the serious challenges we face in core areas of government, including education, health care and public safety,” said Hicks, D-Oklahoma City. “I appreciate the Pro Tem for approving my study requests, and I will be working with our committee chairs to secure hearings.”

Interim studies give lawmakers the opportunity to take deep dives into important topics to inform the public and lawmakers and help gather data to address those issues through possible legislation. Hicks’ approved interim study topics include:

• Evaluating services and support programs offered by managed care organizations in Oklahoma for individuals with diabetes, focusing on access, quality of care, care coordination and outcomes. The study will identify strengths, gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Examining the availability, accessibility, and insurance coverage of continuous glucose monitors for individuals with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes in Oklahoma, with a focus on community-based monitoring programs.
• Strengthening family resource centers through public-private partnerships for sustainable community support.
• Ensuring accountability and transparency in Oklahoma’s school choice programs, including voucher programs. By examining how these programs serve students, families, and taxpayers, the study will assess whether current policies are meeting their intended goals.
• Improving maternal and infant health outcomes through proven, cost-effective models of care. The goal is to identify data-driven solutions that strengthen families, reduce taxpayer burden, and improve long-term public health.
• Strengthening Oklahoma’s response to cold cases and unsolved violent crimes.
• Protecting student access and accountability, closing loopholes in transcript release at for-profit colleges. This study will evaluate current policies allowing for-profit institutions to withhold academic transcripts and identify loopholes that hinder student access.

For more information, contact:  Sen. Carri Hicks at 405-521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov

– END –