by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy
Welcome back Insiders! With Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session behind us, our normally fast-paced policy world has relaxed… for now.
State Updates
Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton approved a series of interim studies on July 9. Studies that will be touching on hunger include:
- SSP 2073 by Senator Nice; A study on an OK Food Policy Council
Speaker Kyle Hilbert has until July 24 to approve House study proposals. A full list of the proposed studies is live at the okhouse.gov website. Hunger-related studies proposal include:
- HSP 2092 by Representative Pae; A study on the causes and consequences of the reduction in SNAP participation.
- HSP 2094 filed jointly by Representative Pae and Senator Kristen Thompson; A study on Double Up Oklahoma.
- HSP 2053 by Representative Gise; A study on home-delivered meals.
All studies must be completed by Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Keep an eye out for dates and times to be announced later in August. If you’re interested in participating in one of these studies, contact the study author for more information.
Elections
Oklahoma primary election runoffs will take place on August 25, 2026! This election includes several statewide seat runoff races, as well as two state questions. Go to the OK Voter Portal to view your registration, a sample ballot, and your polling information.
In Case You Missed It – Governor Stitt suggests need for “a little stigma so [people seeking food assistance are] a little bit embarrassed”
Governor Stitt recently made comments to Stateline.org about his understanding of hunger in Oklahoma and the role that proven anti-hunger programs play. Instead of following the data and research, the governor’s comments dismissed the realities facing hundreds of thousands of Oklahoma families and endorsed the shaming of the most vulnerable Oklahomans. Read HFO’s statement here.
Federal Updates
Federal Farm Bill negotiations have slowed significantly. Senate Agriculture Chair Boozman has promised a committee markup before the next Congressional recess in August, but member attendance concerns and a narrow window to advance legislation are raising doubts about that timeline. Sen. McConnell’s absence means that Senate Republicans do not have enough votes to pass a Farm Bill on their own. Senate Democrats are refusing to support any Farm Bill proposal that does not include a SNAP cost-share delay.
Reconciliation 3.0
House leaders are also trying to push through a third reconciliation package that includes funding for defense, agricultural relief, and stricter voter ID requirements. While current proposals do not include any funding cuts, House fiscal hawks are calling for inclusions that will reduce the federal deficit. Among these proposals include more cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other social safety net programs. Advocates should closely monitor conversations around Reconciliation 3.0 and urge Congress not to support any additional cuts.
SNAP Purchasing Restrictions Lawsuit
The federal ruling centers on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s authority to approve state requests that restrict certain food purchases through SNAP. While the most recent ruling applies only to Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, and West Virginia, the decision creates the possibility that other states’ approved pilots could be reevaluated, including Oklahoma’s. Oklahoma SNAP participants should not expect any immediate changes to their benefits or the foods currently eligible for purchase through the program. Read HFO’s full statement here.
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