Oklahoma may soon join the ranks of states offering paid family and medical leave to its workforce. Legislation put forth by State Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, addressing the need for an in-depth actuarial study of such a program has garnered unanimous support within a recent Senate committee vote. On Tuesday afternoon, the Senate Economic Development, Workforce, and Tourism Committee passed Senate Bill 254 in a 7-0 decision, according to the Oklahoma Senate.
The bill, as it stands, tasks a third party with examining the potential implementation of a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program, a move to possibly bring Oklahoma in line with neighboring states. "Thirteen states already implement a mandatory statewide paid family and medical leave program, and eight states implement a voluntary program. Of those states, three of them are our neighbors," Dossett said in a statement. The study is set to be completed by January 1, 2027, with findings to be made available to the public shortly thereafter, as reported by the Oklahoma Senate.
SB 254 outlines a study on paid family leave, covering key areas like when leave can be requested, worker qualifications, duration, and the costs to maintain the program. The study will gather data to help lawmakers decide if Oklahoma would benefit from implementing paid leave for workers.
Before Oklahoma workers can consider paid leave, SB 254 must pass a Senate floor hearing by March 27. For further details on this developing story, interested readers can find more information and follow updates through the official press release from the Oklahoma State Senate's website.
