OPINION/COLUMN
Several important issues facing Oklahoma require more time and attention than the regular legislative session allows.
I am pleased that six of my interim study requests were approved this year. Interim studies allow lawmakers to examine complex topics in greater detail and help us identify gaps in current policy and determine whether legislative action may be needed.
Last year, I was appointed by Speaker Kyle Hilbert to serve as the Oklahoma House majority party representative on the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board. The SAFE Board oversees policy and procedures regarding the collection, testing and storage of sexual assault forensic evidence kits in Oklahoma. The board is a 17-member multidisciplinary body which includes two senators, two representatives, the attorney general, law enforcement leaders from state and local agencies, medical professionals, victim advocates and a sexual assault survivor.
The next two interim studies were requested by the SAFE Board.
Interim Study 26-015, Methods of Dealing with Continued Delays in the Chain of Custody and Testing of Sexual Assault Kits and Storage of Non-Reported Kits, will examine delays in testing, problems involving chain of custody and possible timeline changes. This study involves several committees and lawmakers from both the House and Senate.
Interim Study 26-017, Identify Legal and Policy Gaps, Clarify Stakeholder Roles, and Assess Changes to Improve Victim Services and Response Systems, will take a broader look at Oklahoma’s response to sexual assault and domestic violence. Topics will include DNA collection, sexual assault examinations, law enforcement responsibilities, victim advocacy services, funding eligibility and the importance of domestic violence examinations.
I have also requested four more interim studies for this year.
Interim Study 26-016, Incarcerated Women Preparing for Discharge from Prison, will examine how Oklahoma can better prepare incarcerated mothers for release, particularly those whose children are in foster care. This study will be combined with Interim Study 26-023, Ensuring Successful Transition from Prison to the Workforce, requested by Reps. Ryan Eaves and Jonathan Wilk.
Interim Study 26-039, Advancing Diabetes Prevention and Steps to Address Obesity Treatments, will examine diabetes prevention outcomes, barriers to care and the costs and results associated with GLP-1 medications for high-risk adults. It will be combined with Rep. Josh Cantrell’s Interim Study 26-048, GLP-1 Medications as a Treatment Procedure.
Interim Study 26-063, Abandoned Medical Marijuana Grows and Project Management, will consider ways to clean up abandoned grow sites and prevent them from becoming long-term public nuisances. We will also examine whether production management tools could help reduce diversion and other illegal activity within Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry.
Finally, Interim Study 26-091, Government-Provided Meals and Best Nutritional Practices, will examine how state-administered nutrition assistance programs can better support the health, self-sufficiency and long-term well-being of Oklahoma families. It will be combined with Rep. Daniel Pae’s Interim Study 26-092, which addresses the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Rep. Emily Gise’s Interim Study 26-053, which focuses on how home-delivered meal programs can improve health outcomes.
The dates, time and location have yet to be decided, but I will let you know as soon as they are assigned.
I also recently attended the National Conference of State Legislatures’ 2026 Legislative Summit in Chicago. The conference brought together legislators and legislative staff from across every state to exchange ideas and discuss challenges they are facing.
While state legislatures may differ in size, makeup and geography, many of the challenges we face are remarkably similar.
During these conferences, I especially appreciate the opportunity to visit with other lawmakers who also work in healthcare. We understand firsthand how decisions made at the Capitol affect not only patients, but also the professionals who care for them.
As always, I pray for you all daily, and I hope you have a great week. Please reach out to me if you ever have any questions or concerns.
You can email me at cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7365.
Rep. Cynthia Roe, a Republican, represents House District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.
