Capitol Insider Podcast
1) Court finds State Department of Education violated Open Meeting Act
The State Department of Education under former superintendent Ryan Walters violated state Open Meeting Act, Oklahoma Supreme Court finds.
2) Closed party primaries expected for the next two years
The State Election Board has determined that independents will not be allowed to vote in party primary elections in 2026 and 2027.
3) State agency budget requests seek $1.6 billion in new funding
Lawmakers are hearing budget requests from state agencies who are seeking increases to address the rising costs of doing the work of the people.
4) End of year economic outlook shows strength in Oklahoma economy
How is the economy faring heading toward the start of 2026? Oklahoma economist Dr. Robert Dauffenbach analyzes the state of the economy and what's ahead in the new year.
5) Oklahoma Supreme Court hears challenge to initiative petition law
The Oklahoma Supreme Court will decide whether Oklahoma's new law regulating citizen lawmaking by initiative petitions is constitutional.
6) Statewide elected officials to get post-election pay raise
A new commission has approved raising the annual salaries for statewide elected officials, while legislator pay will stay the same.
7) 2026 Oklahoma election cycle is underway
In less than a year, Oklahomans will go to the polls to vote in a wide-open and monumental general election.
8) Democrats call for special session to address loss of SNAP funding
In Oklahoma and around the U.S., elected officials are seeking ways to provide food assistance to needy residents as the federal government shutdown affects SNAP.
9) State Board of Education to review state social studies standards
Under the new state superintendent, Oklahoma's State Board of Education is moving quickly to deal with controversial issues.
10) Classroom Bible mandate dropped by State Department of Education
Former State Superintendent Ryan Walters' mandate to place Bibles in Oklahoma classrooms and incorporate biblical teaching is being eliminated.