OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Oklahoma lawmakers are submitting proposals for interim studies, where they'll take a deeper dive into specific issues they want to learn more about.

Several proposed House interim studies focus on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

In a few of the proposals lawmakers outline wanting to look at potential waste, abuse and fraud within the SNAP program as well.

According to Hunger Free Oklahoma, nearly 700,000 Oklahomans rely on SNAP.

"We're not surprised to see several interim studies filed by our state legislature looking into the issue of SNAP," said Jessica Dietrich, Hunger Free Oklahoma Director of Government Relations and Public Policy. "It's been in the news a lot lately, especially with everything that's going on at the federal level. And so we're excited to see legislators interested in this really important and crucial program for our state."

One proposed study would look at reducing waste and abuse in SNAP's use of Global Accountability Corp's technology.

Another proposes to look at several programs including SNAP "to examine the implementation of House Bill 1575, which calls for a feasibility study on creating a more coordinated and efficient process for determining eligibility."

The proposal says, "As stewards of taxpayer dollars, it is essential that we ensure government programs operate efficiently, reduce duplication, and serve eligible Oklahomans without unnecessary bureaucracy."

Lawmakers are also proposing to look at a review of SNAP fraud detection and prevention efforts. The study also proposes "An assessment of the costs, feasibility, and implications of pursuing a federal waiver to restrict certain purchases, such as sugar-sweetened beverages".

"SNAP is one of the most efficient anti-hunger programs that our country has," Dietrich said. "While we certainly want the programs to work better, we hope that these interim studies really focus on the core issues and the challenges of implementing these programs rather than just talking points around fraud, waste and abuse."

There are some other issues within SNAP detailed in some of the studies, like increasing availability of locally grown foods in underserved communities.

"We certainly need to look at increasing access to fresh produce and especially local produce in underserved communities and across the state. Access to food especially in many areas of our state, particularly rural communities is a real challenge," Dietrich told FOX 25.

Uncertainty for the SNAP program looms as Congress considers the 'Big, Beautiful Bill'.

"We are very concerned about the proposed cuts that Congress has been considering to the SNAP program and Medicaid. Both of these programs are essential safety net programs that help Oklahoma families make ends meet when they're struggling to do so," Dietrich said.

The proposed studies have to first be approved then they will be scheduled.