What is an interim study and how do they advance legislation?
There has been a lot of information in the news lately about interim studies undertaken by the State Legislature, but there is little said about what they actually do.
According to the Center for State Policy Research, interim studies are designed to give legislatures the opportunity to explore complex issues without the time pressure surrounding a legislative session. They often feature witnesses who come in to testify on the topic, although the study isn’t binding in any way. However, they may shape future legislation and tip off advocacy groups, candidates and voters what they may expect in the upcoming sessions.
They may be requested by any member of the House or Senate. The requests are then assigned to a committee, but it is up to the committee chair whether a study is scheduled for examination.
Some of the 2023 studies undertaken include larger issues such as hiring and retention of sheriff’s deputies or how better to provide safe, affordable and stable housing in the state. Others, such as using compost to stabilize roadsides or crypto mining operations are of less general interest.
The question on retention of deputies was the topic of an interim study concluded September 25. It was requested by Sen. Darrell Weaver. The problem, especially for more rural counties, is that the department can’t match the salaries paid by larger towns or counties and can’t meet those paid by industry in the state. Some officers make less than $10 per hour, according to the report. That situation can result in only a few deputies spread across huge areas. Three sheriffs shared how difficult it is to retain good officers when they cannot be competitive in salaries.
Sheriff Jason McClain of Nowata County said told the committee law enforcement funding has never been where it should be, and he needs to pay his deputies more so that he can keep them.
Texas recently found a formula that works for that state, at least for the time being.
It splits grant funding among the counties based on population, with the smaller counties getting more funding. Each county must apply to the state for the dollars.
McClain is hopeful the state will make some changes, perhaps to subsidize the more rural counties so that they can hire and retain officers with higher wages.
The affordable housing study has been undertaken by various legislators over multiple years. Studies show that two out of five Oklahomans working full time can’t pay for stable housing situations.
None of those interim studies have found a solution to rising housing costs, skyrocketing rent and low availability, especially of moderate to low-priced housing.