Breaking News: Oklahoma Senate Passes Bill Granting State Employees Paid Leave

Bill Summary

SB193, introduced by Senator Julia Kirt, has passed the Oklahoma Senate with a vote of 70-21. The bill now returns to the Senate for further action.

The bill allows state employees to take paid leave for various reasons, including:

Birth or adoption of a child

Serious illness or injury

Death of a family member

Military deployment

The bill also includes provisions for employees to use accrued sick leave for medical appointments and to care for a sick family member.

The bill is a significant step towards improving the work-life balance for state employees in Oklahoma. It has been supported by several employee organizations, including the Oklahoma Public Employees Association and the Oklahoma State Employees Council.

The bill now faces a final vote in the Senate before being sent to the governor for approval. If signed into law, it will take effect on November 1, 2023.

For more information on the bill, please visit the Oklahoma State Legislature website at https://web.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=SB193&Session=2123.