From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – Multiple interim studies have been held at the Capitol recently, with topics ranging from dyslexia, affordable housing, felony murder, homeschooling, mental health and artificial intelligence.
Southwest Oklahoma Representative Daniel Pae (R-Lawton), along with Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval (D-Oklahoma City) hosted an interim study to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence technologies in education, patient care and government.
The study explored ideas for the next legislative session.
The Senate Education Committee held an interim study requested by Sen. Carri Hicks (D-Oklahoma City) exploring certification and micro credentialing for CALT (Certified Academic Language Therapist), addressing dyslexia, a language-based learning disorder.
Sens. Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City) and Chuck Hall (R-Perry) continued their efforts to address Oklahoma’s housing shortage through an interim study. The senators wanted information on what is being done at the local and state level to provide solutions.
The study included a presentation from the University of Oklahoma on its Housing Needs Assessment Project, which is a collaborative effort between OU and the Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority. The public web portal estimates the supply of housing units and demand for housing in Oklahoma.
A discussion of the Oklahoma Housing Stability Program informed participants that $215 million in funding is aimed at increasing the availability of housing. A majority of the funds are earmarked for housing in rural Oklahoma. To date, the OHFA has awarded about one-third of the zero-interest loans to private developers, creating 21 housing projects in 17 counties and more funding is still available.
Rep. Justin Humphrey (R-Lane) held an interim study on felony murder before the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee. He said he wanted the study to address questions like “How do we change our system?” “How do we get issues resolved by changes in legislation and changes in court?”
Among other guest speakers, Donald R. Knight, of the Don Knight Law Office in Colorado, spoke about systemic problems in Oklahoma and other states’ criminal justice systems. Knight worked on the high-profile case for Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip.
Humphrey said he wants to work on legislation that would make sure individuals who have minor involvement in a felony murder case are no longer eligible for the death penalty.
An interim study was hosted by Rep. Rick West (R-Heavener) examining how Oklahoma colleges and universities can maintain a competitive edge against institutions from outside the state. The study was held before the House Higher Education and CareerTech Committee.
West invited multiple college presidents to discuss their efforts in trying to keep Oklahoma youth at in-state higher education institutions. Solutions presented during the forum included allowing greater flexibility to waive tuition for both in-state and outof- state students, increasing operational funding to limit tuition and fee increases, increasing marketing funding and expanding the Oklahoma Opportunity Scholarship tax credit to Oklahoma higher education institutions.
Rep. Amanda Swope (D-Tulsa) held an interim study on child-centered homeschooling practices to support athome educators and families, with The Coalition for Responsible Home Education Government Relations Director Samantha Field conducting the presentation.
Field said Oklahoma is one of only 11 states to not have a universal enrollment policy. She explained the state’s current homeschool policy and discussed ways it can be vulnerable to exploitation.
Joe Dorman, former southwest Oklahoma representative from Rush Springs and now CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, also spoke at the legislative study and offered solutions to ensure children are educated and safe in homeschool settings. Individuals with homeschooling experience closed out the study.
Sen. Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City) and Rep. Ellyn Hefner (D-Oklahoma City) collaborated on an interim study held by the House Public Health Committee, which examined the challenges faced by Oklahomans who have a diagnosis of intellectual/developmental disabilities and a mental health diagnosis. The study addressed the issue of how those impacted could access better care.
Statistics show that in addition to the challenges people with IDD face in day-to-day living and accessing care, an estimated 39% to 52% also have a mental health condition. For those with autism, up to 70% possibly could have a dual diagnosis. The study included presentations from advocates, caregivers and organizations dedicated to improving access.