Pro Tem Paxton Approves Interim Study Requests for 2026 Legislative Interim

Paxton names Sen. Hamilton public safety chairman, Sen. Kern vice chair

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, has approved a series of interim study requests that will be considered during the Oklahoma Senate's 2026 interim.

The approved studies have been assigned to the appropriate Senate committees and will be scheduled at the discretion of each committee chair. All interim studies must be completed by Friday, Oct. 30, 2026.

Pro Tem Paxton said these studies provide lawmakers with an opportunity to examine important issues in greater depth ahead of the 2027 legislative session.

"Preparing for a successful legislative session begins long before the first day we gavel in," Pro Tem Paxton said. "Our committee chairs play a critical leadership role in that process, and interim studies give them the time and flexibility to fully examine the issues before us. They are on the front lines of examining the issues that matter most to Oklahomans. I have complete confidence in our chairs to lead meaningful discussions and identify practical solutions that will help shape strong, effective legislation. The work they do during the interim lays the foundation for a productive 2027 legislative session and better outcomes for the people of Oklahoma."

Committee chairs are currently reviewing the studies assigned to them and will announce hearing dates and times once they are finalized.

Study schedules and meeting notices will be posted on the Oklahoma Senate website at https://www.oksenate.gov/. All scheduled hearings will be open to the public and livestreamed on the Senate website to promote transparency and encourage public participation.

To view the complete list of approved interim studies, click here.

Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, Named Public Safety Chairman, Spencer Kern, R-Duncan, Vice Chairman 

With the resignation of former Senator and now Cleveland County Sheriff Darrell Weaver, Pro Tem Paxton has named Senator Hamilton as the new chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee and Senator Kern as vice chairman.

“While we all wish Sheriff Weaver well in his new position as Cleveland County Sheriff, it leaves a void in the public safety space,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “In the meantime, Senator Hamilton has agreed to chair the Senate Public Safety Committee. He honorably served his country in the Armed Forces, serves as a reserve deputy sheriff in Haskell County and was selected by his peers to be the captain of the Army powerlifting team when he was at West Point, which won the Collegiate National Championship in 1993. During his time in the Senate, he has championed legislation that has become law that better protects Oklahomans. Senator Hamilton is a true public servant, and I appreciate him for accepting this role.

“Senator Kern has shown outstanding leadership abilities during his time in the Senate. Since being elected in 2024, he has already been named to a national leadership role. Senator Kern puts his full effort into everything he does. I know he will lean into the Public Safety Committee, as he has with everything else since he has been in the Senate.”