The 2025 legislative session is quickly approaching, with just over three months until the 1st Session of the 60th Legislature officially begins. Our preparations for next year’s session are well underway, and lawmakers have spent much of the interim researching issues that could be addressed through legislative action next session.

One of the most productive ways for lawmakers to gain knowledge on a specific subject is through interim studies. These committee hearings bring together state agency officials, business professionals, public servants, and other experts who can provide data and insight on the topic at hand. The information presented in each of the studies is incredibly beneficial as we draft and consider legislation each year.

I attended the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee’s study on the management and eradication of invasive woody species on state-owned properties. Eastern Red Cedars and other invasive woody species deplete water resources, damage wildlife habitats, and contribute to the spread of wildfires.

Through the study, we evaluated how state agencies and private landowners can use prescribed burns and other collaborative methods to manage the spread of these species to prevent costly destruction of our farmlands and stateowned properties.

This study comes during a critical time as farmers and ranchers in all corners of the state continue to incur losses and damages due to ongoing drought conditions and wildfires. I look forward to further collaboration with our state agency partners as our committee continues to monitor this issue across the state.

In addition to legislative preparations, I look forward to spending the final few months of the interim attending events throughout Senate District 4 and interacting with my constituents. If I can assist you with a legislative matter, please contact my office at Tom.Woods@oksenate. gov or by phone at 405-521-5576.