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Oklahoma lawmakers examined the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), nutrition initiatives and home-delivered meal services during a combined interim study Thursday, exploring ways to improve program integrity, expand access to nutritious food and strengthen outcomes for Oklahoma families. The study combined three topics requested by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay. The lawmakers said the study provided an opportunity to examine both immediate challenges associated with federal SNAP changes and longer-term approaches to improving nutrition and food access. "Food assistance is about more than putting food on the table," Pae said. "We need to understand whether these programs are working as intended, whether taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and whether Oklahomans are getting the resources they need to build healthier, more independent lives. These conversations will help inform the work ahead as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session." "Home-delivered meals are just one example of how a targeted service can address multiple problems at a time," Gise said. "For some Oklahomans, access to nutritious meals can help them manage health conditions, remain independent and avoid costly institutional care. We should continue examining the outcomes of these programs and identify opportunities to make them work better for the people who truly need them." Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Jeffrey Cartmell said the agency prevented more than $5 million in erroneous benefit payments after tripling new employee training time, implementing additional quality-control checkpoints and reviewing more than 75,000 cases over the past year. The state’s most recently federally certified SNAP payment error rate was 11.04%. Cartmell said the agency anticipated a rate between 6.5% and 8.5%, though final figures remained subject to additional reviews . Cartmell explained that incomplete applications, additional verification requirements and repeated requests for documentation can increase the agency’s workload even as participation declines. However, he emphasized that program performance should be evaluated not only by processing metrics but also by whether families become more stable and move toward greater independence. "Our agency has four goals, four pillars that we hold near and dear to what we believe," Cartmell said . "The third one of those is that Oklahoma should have the strongest pathways to prosperity—not the strongest safety net, not the most benefits, the strongest pathways for prosperity. And once we really start measuring programs like SNAP, not on outputs, but on outcomes, we can get closer to that." Alexina Cather, director of policy and communications for Wellness in the Schools, discussed research on school nutrition and the relationship between healthier meals and public health outcomes. According to Hunger Free Oklahoma estimates, more than one in four Oklahoma children do not get the food they need and nearly seven in 10 public school students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Cather said , "Meal quality isn't a side issue"—instead, she described it as a "public health lever." She highlighted research suggesting improved school nutrition standards helped reduce obesity rates among children living in poverty. Cather also discussed nutrition initiatives in California, Michigan and New York, along with opportunities for Oklahoma to build on existing school meal programs. The latter half of the study focused on home-delivered meals, highlighting the potential to improve health outcomes, support independent living and reduce the costs associated with institutional care. Tara Searles, director of business development for Mom’s Meals, described the company’s medically tailored meal services and their potential to help older adults, people with disabilities and individuals managing chronic health conditions. Searles also discussed a potential pathway for eligible SNAP participants to purchase medically tailored, home-delivered meals. Searles said Mom's Meals has delivered more than 630,000 meals to more than 8,500 clients in the state over the previous 12 months. Additionally, the organization employs around 180 people and purchased over 97,000 locally sourced ingredients in 2025 alone. Jeff Barteau, CEO of Homestyle Direct, described the company’s work providing meals to Oklahoma Medicaid beneficiaries through the Advantage Waiver Program. "For an older or disabled Oklahoman living alone, the inability to prepare reliable, appropriate meals is often the first thing that makes their home unsafe," Barteau told the committee. Barteau said home-delivered meals can help address food insecurity while supporting individuals who want to remain in their homes rather than entering institutional care. He pointed out that an annual cost of one home-delivered meal per day is about $2,200, less than 3% of the $82,000 cost to provide care for someone living in a nursing facility. Sara Marlow Fulks, advocacy and public policy officer for Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, discussed the role food banks play in addressing food insecurity. She said Oklahoma’s two food banks served more than 2 million summer meals in 2026, with most distributed through noncongregate options that allow families to take meals home. "SNAP truly is the first line of defense when it comes to serving food insecurity," Fulks said . "It's the most dignifiable way to serve our food insecure neighbors." Fulks also highlighted the proposed Farmers Against Hunger initiative, a $2 million pilot program developed with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Oklahoma Pork Council. If funded, the initiative is estimated to provide 3 million pounds of locally raised meat to families in need while supporting Oklahoma farmers and processors. "This is an innovative, common-sense approach to fighting hunger," Gise said. "It supports Oklahoma agriculture while putting nutritious food on the tables of families who need it most." Leslie Young, program director for Double Up Oklahoma, described how the program helps SNAP participants purchase fresh fruits and vegetables by providing incentives for eligible purchases. Young said the initiative has helped hundreds of thousands of SNAP customers purchase produce. She pointed to a three-month follow up where participants had increased their fruit and vegetable intake by almost one serving per day. "This study demonstrated that addressing food insecurity requires more than one program or one organization," Roe said. "By bringing together people working on different parts of that challenge, we can better understand what is working, where the gaps are and what improvements may be worth considering in the next legislative session."

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, held an interim study examining wrong-way driving in Oklahoma and how emerging technology could help prevent serious and fatal crashes. Miller, chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Transportation Subcommittee, said the study examined Oklahoma’s current efforts, gathered input from other states and explored opportunities to build upon work already underway. "Oklahoma has been using foundational countermeasures to address wrong-way driving, and maintaining those efforts remains essential," Miller said. "As transportation technologies evolve, we have an opportunity to build on that foundation with new tools to detect wrong-way drivers and alert motorists in their path." The study included testimony from Victims of Impaired Drivers, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) and transportation officials from other states. Jeff Murrow, executive director of Victims of Impaired Drivers, discussed the impact wrong-way crashes have had on Oklahoma families and efforts to develop earlier warnings for motorists traveling in the path of a wrong-way driver. Murrow said wrong-way crashes resulted in 121 fatalities in Oklahoma from 2020 through 2025. ODOT and OTA officials outlined Oklahoma’s current mitigation efforts, which include pavement markings, oversized signs, reflective markers and wrong-way detection systems. ODOT has deployed wrong-way detection systems at 97 locations across the state. Officials also discussed challenges associated with more advanced systems, including maintenance, staffing, cost and the need for human verification when an alert is triggered. OTA also discussed a prototype system it has developed to detect wrong-way vehicles and evaluate whether drivers correct their course before entering the roadway. The committee also heard from the Arizona Department of Transportation about its wrong-way driving program. Arizona began with a pilot corridor in 2018 and has since expanded its use of thermal detection technology across the state. Arizona officials emphasized the importance of integrating detection technology with existing traffic operations, law enforcement and long-term maintenance. "Understanding the path other states have taken, including their successes and challenges, helps us consider what makes sense for Oklahoma," Miller said. "This study helped us better understand what is working today and where we can build on those efforts as emerging transportation technologies develop, giving us a clearer direction for our next steps." Miller said information gathered during the study will help guide further conversations about wrong-way driving prevention and the potential role of state policy.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Following a landmark year for education policy, a bipartisan group of Oklahoma legislators from both the House and Senate today announced the formation of the Oklahoma Reading Caucus, focused on sustaining and expanding recent progress in early literacy and student outcomes. The caucus will center its work on maintaining the momentum from this year’s legislative efforts to strengthen reading instruction—drawing inspiration from the widely recognized “Mississippi Miracle,” a model that has led to dramatic gains in student literacy through evidence-based policy and classroom support. The caucus will be co-chaired by: Mike Lay, R- Jenks Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa Ally Seifried, R-Claremore Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City "Every child should be reading proficiently by the end of the third grade, and we will support the evidence-based policies necessary to achieve that goal," said Rep. Mike Lay, House co-chair. "This year, Oklahoma took meaningful steps to improve our state’s reading outcomes and now our job is to make sure that progress continues." Sen. Ally Seifried, Senate co-chair, added, "We have seen other states make tremendous progress by committing to strong, consistent policy grounded in the science of reading. Oklahoma has taken important steps in the right direction, but our work is far from finished. This caucus is about building on that progress and following through on our commitment to Oklahoma students." The Oklahoma Reading Caucus will prioritize: Methodical implementation of the improved Strong Readers Act Data monitoring of outcomes, both short and long term Any needed legislative modifications to the law to further improve outcomes Promoting school districts seeing results Learning from high-performing states to inform Oklahoma policy By bringing together lawmakers from both chambers and both parties, the caucus aims to create a durable, collaborative framework for education policy that transcends political cycles and keeps students at the center. "Improving literacy is one of the most important things we can do for Oklahoma’s future," said Rep. Suzanne Schreiber. "This caucus is committed to working together and delivering results that last." "Wanting all of our students to be able to read on grade level is not a partisan issue," said Sen. Mark Mann. "Any good legislation will require tweaks along the way, but we want to make sure any changes to the law are grounded in data and putting students first." The caucus will convene regularly and engage with educators, parents, and national experts to guide its work and ensure policies translate into meaningful impact for children across the state.

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Sapulpa, considered Tuesday the current driver's license suspension policies within the state and the resulting economic impact on the workforce and families. "We want processes to work well for people who want to do the right thing and are striving to do the right thing," West said . "We do not want unnecessary barriers, and for those who are not striving to do the right thing, we want the consequences to be fair and administered properly." "As a former chief U.S. probation officer for Oklahoma’s Northern District, I saw firsthand how suspending driver’s licenses for missed court dates or unpaid fees can put people in a no-win situation," Gollihare said. "A suspended license disrupts their ability to work and support their families, and these policies can unintentionally push more people toward public assistance programs. This was an important conversation on a complex issue, and I look forward to working with Representative West and stakeholders to find a balanced solution." Lauren Krisai, executive director of Justice Action Network, shared that licenses may be suspended for many reasons, including failure to pay, failure to appear and financial responsibility. Licenses may also be suspended for driving offenses such as DUIs, though that was not the focus of Tuesday's study. "There are a lot of hidden economic costs of suspending a license," Krisai said , adding that it prohibits people from legally driving to work, school and the grocery store. She later added that the ripple effect also affects employers and manufacturers if an employee can't get to work. Jeremy Hutchinson, director of strategic initiatives for Unify.us, asked the committee, "What kind of policy is that that we impose a sanction a punishment and then beg please ignore this and go to work and take your kids to school and try to be a responsible member of society?"  Krisai highlighted House Bill 29 in Ohio, which retroactively eliminated suspensions for failure to pay traffic tickets. The bill, which was supported by the Ohio Manufacturers' Association, Ohio Association of Municipal/County Court Clerks, and numerous county chambers and local businesses, allowed over 7,000 people to fully regain their legal driving status. Michael Olson, policy counsel for Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, said if 180,000 people with suspended licenses stopped driving, Oklahoma's workforce would reduce by nearly 9%. He added that during the 2008 recession, Oklahoma's labor force dropped by 2%, and said a 9% drop would present "a massive problem for the state." Fines and Fees Justice Center Regional Director Sarah Couture said that the average length for driver's license suspension for failure in Oklahoma to pay is three years and two months. "Debt-based driver's license suspension costs people their livelihoods, it cuts economic growth, it undermines public safety and it does not compel payment of debts," Couture said . "Ending debt-based license suspension increases employment, increases the tax base and overall GDP, and improves public safety." Couture estimated a net fiscal tax revenue benefit of over $42 million if Oklahoma passed comprehensive driver's license suspension reform. "An increased workforce would also logically result in reductions of state expenditures on public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP and other social welfare problems due to increased earnings in populations often affected by driver's license suspensions," she said . At the conclusion of the study, West thanked speakers and attendees for participating in the conversation. "We are in a maze that we have created that makes it very difficult for people who are wanting to do the right thing to do the right thing," West said , later adding, "This is something that we can address, and it will help the people of the state of Oklahoma. It will help the businesses of the state of Oklahoma, and it will help change families in this state."

Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, chair of the Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, and Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, an Air Force veteran, applauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ announcement that it processed a record-high 3,111,399 disability compensation claims in Fiscal Year 2026. "Veterans should not have to face unnecessary delays or barriers when seeking the benefits and care they have earned through their service, sacrifices, and dedication to our nation. We are grateful for all they and their families have given in defense of our freedoms," the lawmakers said. "This reduction in the claims backlog means more veterans and their families are receiving the timely support they deserve. Recognizing and honoring their sacrifices with meaningful, dependable service is significant progress for veterans across Oklahoma and the nation. "We deeply appreciate the men and women at the VA who are diligently working to serve those who have served our country. We will continue supporting efforts that make it easier for Oklahoma veterans and their families to access the benefits, health care, and services they have earned through their sacrifice and commitment to our nation." The VA reported that its FY2026 claims total exceeded the previous record of 3,001,734 claims set in FY2025. The department also reported that its benefits backlog has been reduced by more than 70%, while claims-processing accuracy has reached 94%, the highest level in two years.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma (CCO) has named Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, its 2026 Legislator of the Year. The award recognizes Dobrinski's leadership on conservation legislation, commitment to responsible natural resource management and continued partnership in advancing practical, science-backed conservation policies across Oklahoma.  Dobrinski was applauded for his significant contributions to conservation policy and his ongoing commitment to collaborative problem-solving. "Preserving and properly managing our state's natural resources for the benefit of our residents and future generations is incredibly important to the constituents I serve," Dobrinski said. "To be recognized for this work and my passion on behalf of all Oklahomans is an honor." Dobrinski was specifically noted for his active involvement in addressing woody plant encroachment, the fuel behind many Oklahoma wildfires, and a growing concern for Oklahoma’s water resources, native grasslands, wildlife habitat and agricultural productivity. His legislative efforts include authoring House Bill 2988 this year and serving as House author of Senate Bill 940 in 2025. Both address harmful woody species. Dobrinski also has worked closely with CCO to advance discussions on emerging energy technologies, sponsoring legislative interim studies examining advanced nuclear energy and geothermal energy. Continuing that partnership, Dobrinski is sponsoring an interim study on biochar scheduled for Oct. 20.  CCO also recognized Dobrinski for his accessibility, willingness to listen and thoughtful engagement on complex conservation issues.  “Representative Dobrinski has been a tremendous representative for his constituents and partner in efforts to protect natural resources for all Oklahomans with Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma,” said CCO Executive Director Matt Wright. “Whether we’re discussing legislation we support, raising concerns about proposals we oppose or exploring new approaches to conservation, he has consistently made himself available to listen and engage in meaningful conversations. We don’t have to agree on every issue to work together effectively, and that willingness to listen, ask challenging questions and work toward practical solutions is what makes good public policy possible.” The Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing practical, science-backed conservation policies that protect Oklahoma’s water, wildlife, habitat and natural resources. Through education, collaboration and advocacy, CCO works with policymakers, Tribal Nations, conservation organizations, agriculture, industry and communities to promote responsible stewardship of Oklahoma’s natural resources.

Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, has been recognized by the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association (OREA) with its Friend of Education Award for his commitment to supporting Oklahoma students, educators and public education. Pae was named at OREA's annual convention in recognition of his work to support policies that strengthen educational opportunities for students and the state’s education workforce. "Our teachers and educators play an important role in preparing Oklahoma students for success, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with them and advocate for policies that help our schools and students succeed," Pae said. "As legislators, we have a responsibility to make sure our policies reflect the needs of students, teachers, and communities. I’m grateful to OREA for this recognition and for the work its members continue to do on behalf of Oklahoma’s education system." Pae, who represents House District 62 in Lawton, has served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2018. He has served as chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Human Services since 2024. The Oklahoma Retired Educators Association represents retired educators across the state and advocates for issues affecting Oklahoma’s education community.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, and Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, on Monday hosted an interim study on the effects of the marketing and sales of kratom and THC drinks on Oklahoma children. The study, held before the House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances Committee, explored methods of regulation and advocacy in order to better understand the nature of these products and how to protect the state's youth from substances, some of which have been shown to carry high health risks, including death. “I am grateful to the committee for hearing this study today and to Representative Grego for joining me on studying this important issue," Pogemiller said "It’s my responsibility not only as a state representative, but as a mother to ensure Oklahomans are aware of the dangerous and addictive products such as kratom sold in our state that are being advertised to our children. We have work to do to ensure these products are not reaching our youth and that Oklahomans understand the devastating and harmful effects these products have. I’m thankful to all who testified and presented research on this as we look at policy solutions this upcoming legislative session that work to protect Oklahomans from dangerous and accessible substances.”  Grego said he requested to join the study because many of his constituents have shared similar concerns. This included Pittsburg County resident Steve Covington who told study participants about his son who is still undergoing rehabilitation to be free of the effects of kratom and its derivatives. "Hearing Mr. Covington's story about a son whose entire life changed because of this substance, was one reason I asked to be a part of this discussion," Grego said. "Here's a young man who has a wife and children, who had a good job, a nice house and so much more. Yet addiction to this product that was marketed as a natural substance that could boost his energy and help with soreness has almost ruined him. We've got to consider what we can do as a state to better address this." Study presenters, including Donnie Anderson, director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, shared that kratom is marketed as a plant-based herbal supplement made from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Consumers claim it can be an energy booster, a mood lifter, a pain reliever or a relaxant that can have both sedative and stimulant effects, depending on dosage. Kratom is often paired with additives such as mitragynine, an active alkaloid, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH. The products are easy to find in convenience stores and gas stations across the state, and they are easy for teens to purchase, according to numerous study presenters. The products themselves, especially with derivatives combined with other substances, however, can carry high risk of addiction and negative health consequences, including death, according to Chief and Deputy Chief Forensic Toxicologists Dr. Jesse Kemp and Dr. Kacey Cliburn with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Cliburn shared that mitragynine was listed as a contributory factor on 44 Oklahoma death certificates from 2021 to 2025. Between January 2025 and June this year, mitragynine and or an alkaloid were listed as a factor in 42 deaths, so the problem is growing. She said the laboratory began identifying more cases with the potent alkaloids in early 2026 and issued a public service alert in May. Mitragynine is now among the top five drugs listed for cause of overdose death along with methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol. "Our office has never experienced a situation like this, in which an uncontrolled, over-the-counter commercial product has displaced a drug in the top five listed in the cause of death," Cliburn said . Several constituents of the representatives shared personal stories during the study. Angela Goins spoke of the death of her brother who she said became addicted to kratom pills that had dangerous additives. She said the research she had to do to discover the true effects of the derivatives was overwhelming and said it is too hard for law enforcement or lawmakers to keep up with the constantly changing over-the-counter products that are available to Oklahomans. "For my family, this isn't an abstract discussion about chemistry, it's the reason my brother is gone," Goins said . Tiffany Sprague said her daughter became addicted to a kratom drink that was marketed to her as a natural herbal supplement that could help her with energy, weight loss and pain relief as she pursued competitive dancing. Her daughter, Isabella Gardner, and 19-year-old Braxton Bunch shared stories of addiction, detox and the long fight for sobriety. Presenter Frank Turner said he's worked in the field of addiction for more than 25 years, and he's the guy that gets the call from family members asking for help. "Drugs are killing our kids," Turner said. "And how many of us have to die for us to make some drastic changes? There are more drugs in schools than on the streets of Oklahoma. We send our kids to school and think that they're learning, but what they're learning in school is how to get high." Judge Kenneth Stoner, a district judge who works in Oklahoma County Home Treatment Courts, shared additional statistics and risks. Tane Webb, a substance use policy analyst with the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, which has offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, explained that while kratom products are readily available over the counter in many Oklahoma gas stations and vape shops, many consumers are unaware of undisclosed synthetic ingredients that carry significant risk. Webb said that while Oklahoma has a Kratom Consumer Protection Act on the books, enforcement of regulations has not kept pace with the changing landscape. His recommendations include increasing the legal purchasing age to 20-plus and prohibiting free or promotional distribution; updating Oklahoma law to limit legal kratom products from natural plant material; establishing consistent standards for alkaloid limits and measurement of concentrations; broadening the scope of enforcement beyond kratom and expanding state capacity for product testing; and increasing education among health care providers, vendors and the public; among others. Michella Carter, technical manager of the Seized Drug Unit, and Melissa Brous, technical manager of the Forensic Toxicology Unit with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, shared costs of kratom testing in Oklahoma – almost $2.7 million in one-time costs and almost $800,000 annually recurring. Former Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove, also addressed study participants saying state residents have been down this road plenty of times in the past with marijuana, opioids and other substances. "If you are really interested in saving Oklahoman's lives; if you are really interested in keeping Oklahoma families from being destroyed, then outlaw all of it," he encouraged. The study can be viewed on the House website under News & Media, Live Proceedings. Search the calendar for Oct. 12, Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances, 9:30 a.m. -END- Ellen Pogemiller serves District 88 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes part of Oklahoma County. Jim Grego serves District 17, which includes Latimer County and part of Pittsburg County.  

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, on Wednesday held an interim study before the House Public Safety Committee examining active shooter response training for law enforcement professionals. "Active shooter situations in schools and the public are of huge concern to everyone," West said. "We Can't say we hope they never happens. Too many have already happened. This study is about making sure law enforcement knows what training is currently available in the state so they are prepared to respond and where gaps might exist that we need to address." West invited multiple presenters to discuss active shooter situations that have occurred across the country and various law enforcement responses. Colton Jones with the Black Banner Group helped organize the study and was the first speaker. He said every state is different in approaching active shooter incidences. He specifically examined various responses to mass shootings at schools, including Columbine High School in Colorado, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut and at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.    Jones noted the difference in response times in these incidences, with Sandy Hook being within 11 minutes and Uvalde being up to 77 minutes before law enforcement breached the school. Training and coordination made the difference, he said. "At Sandy Hook you saw officers show up and proceed to the threat," Jones said , "Where when you get to Uvalde, you had officers show up where it seemed like they were afraid to go to the threat, because of, a lot of them said, lack of training." Jones, an Army veteran said recurring training matters. "In the Army it was always train, train, train, train, train. That way, when you had to act upon that training, it was there and you knew it like the back of your hand." Jones said a lack of finances and manpower prevent many rural law enforcement departments from sending officers to training. Tanner Killiingsworth, a student resource officer from Latimer County, said continuing education and advanced training are essential. But differences in professional development, training methods, terminology and response procedures can actually hinder responses, creating significant communication and coordination challenges when officers from multiple agencies respond to the same incident. "In a situation where time is critical, inconsistent training and conflicting tactics can lead to confusion, delayed responses and unnecessary risk to officers and innocent civilians," Killingsworth said .  Establishing standardized training is essential, he said. Oklahoma Commissioner of Public Safety and Homeland Security Advisor Tim Tipton discussed his department's training availability and the ability of law enforcement departments to access training when needed. He said this is one of the top three safety concerns his department is dedicated to in the state. Tipton spoke on the Secure Oklahoma Schools, or SOS, initiative and the Oklahoma School Security Institute (OSSI), which focuses not just on responding to shooters but to prevention. "You know, school safety, active shooter threat response, although a ton of it is about the response when the bad guy's in the building, but school safety has to be multi-layered, and the first point of that is prevention," Tipton said . "We don't want the bad guy even getting to the building." The Legislature dedicated funding for schools to do risk and vulnerability assessments every five years. Tipton said all schools have now had those and now OSSI is in the process of updating those so the schools can qualify for this funding going forward. Mike Fike, director of OSSI, also spoke about the effectiveness of training for officers and why recurring training is essential. Other presenters included Bobby Floyd, director of training, Austin Slaten, academy coordinator, and Clay Anderson, an instructor, at the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET). They outlined the types and duration of active shooter response training and the Center for Active Shooter Preparedness (CASP) at CLEET and its role in active shooter training across the state. Brett Macy, deputy director of the Transportation Division at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, shared about the coordination between rural and municipal departments during active shooter situations and access to recurring training.