Senator Scott to hold two interim studies; seeks public input

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat approved nearly 40 interim studies Friday.  Among them are two that Sen. Paul Scott, R-Duncan, requested.  

The first study is one of four that were approved as a joint study with the House.  The Senate and House Appropriations Committees will focus on determining funding for maintaining and improving city and county roads.

In the second study, legislators will look at mental health issues that affect firefighters, law enforcement, District Attorneys, Department of Corrections workers and others in similar fields and what can be done to create a more supportive work environment.  This study will be taken up by the Senate Public Safety Committee.

“Some issues take longer to research and fully understand than we have time for during the short four-month session.  Interim studies allow us to hear from experts from the business community, private citizens, nonprofits and other organizations on these issues,” Scott said. “As legislators, we can’t just look at how a policy change will affect us next year, we have to think long-term what will benefit our state in the future. Finding a sustainable way to fund our transportation infrastructure and protecting the mental health of our frontline workers are two extremely important issues that need to be addressed.”

Interim studies are open to the public and can also be viewed live online at www.oksenate.gov under Committees. If you have expertise or personal experience with either of the topics and would like to participate, please contact Sen. Scott’s office at (405) 521-5522 or Paul.Scott@oksenate.gov. The senator will be visiting with various entities, agencies and organizations in the next month to decide who all will present information before the committees.  He will then use the information gathered to author possible future legislation.

With ongoing renovations at the Capitol, there is only one committee room available for senators to use.  This along with social distancing requirements due to COVID led leadership to limit each senator to only two approved study requests.  Scott had two additional study requests that were not approved. The first dealt with regulatory impacts on childcare businesses and funding issues.  The other was to work with parents and educators to find common ground for effective classroom discipline to promote a more successful, disciplined classroom environment for all students and educators. 

Altogether, the House and Senate will hold just over 100 interim studies in the next three months. The interim studies can begin August 4 and must be completed by October 29.  A list of approved interim studies can be found on the Senate website.  Once the studies are scheduled, meeting notices will be available on the website as well.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Scott: (405) 521-5522 or Paul.Scott@oksenate.gov

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