Interim Studies Are Where the Next Session Begins

The Oklahoma Legislature may not be in session, but the policy work shaping 2027 is already underway.

Each fall, lawmakers use interim studies to examine issues they believe deserve a closer look. These hearings allow legislators to hear from experts, gather data and test potential policy ideas before the next legislative session begins.

They can also provide an early indication of which issues are gaining momentum at the Capitol.

This year, the Oklahoma House and Senate approved 182 interim studies across 41 committees. The studies span more than two dozen policy areas. Health care leads with 21 approved studies, followed by criminal justice and corrections with 19 and education with 17.

Several hearings have already taken place, but most of the activity will unfold during September and October. Senate studies must be completed by October 30, shortly before lawmakers face a December 4 deadline to submit bill requests for the 2027 session.

Not every approved study will receive a hearing. Committee chairs determine which studies move forward, when they will be heard and who will be invited to participate. Schedules can also change throughout the fall.

What Happens Next

An interim study does not automatically lead to legislation. Some studies conclude without a formal recommendation, while others provide the foundation for bills, budget requests or regulatory changes.

As the hearings conclude, lawmakers will decide which ideas they want to carry into the 2027 legislative session. Bill requests are due December 4, and legislation must be introduced by January 14. The session begins February 1.

That makes the period between an interim study and the bill request deadline particularly important. This is when proposals may be narrowed, potential supporters are identified and concerns raised during the hearing begin to shape legislative language.

By the time a bill is publicly introduced, much of the underlying policy discussion may have already taken place.

What Organizations Should Do Now

Businesses, nonprofits and associations should review the interim study lists for issues that affect their operations, employees, customers or broader mission. A study does not have to mention an organization or industry by name to carry meaningful implications for it.

When a relevant study is identified, organizations should:

• Understand what the requesting legislator hopes to examine or accomplish.

• Monitor the hearing schedule, agenda and invited witnesses.

• Determine whether public testimony, written information or a private briefing would be most useful.

• Prepare credible data and Oklahoma-specific examples.

• Identify potential unintended consequences before a proposal becomes legislation.

• Track any recommendations, follow-up questions or commitments that emerge from the hearing.

Participation is not always the right strategy. In some cases, careful monitoring is more appropriate. The important thing is to make that decision intentionally and early, rather than waiting until a bill has already been filed and the policy conversation is well underway.

The full lists of approved studies and scheduled hearings are available through the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate.

The Auctor Group is closely monitoring this fall’s studies and what they may signal for 2027. It is an important reminder that policymaking happens well before session begins.