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HB 1833

Labor; creating the Rethinking Paying Subminimal Wage to Persons with Disabilities Task Force; purpose; membership; reporting; effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ellyn Hefner and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma creates task force to study whether workers with disabilities should continue receiving subminimum wages under federal labor law.

Becomes law without Governor's signature 05/13/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 1833

Legislative bill overview

HB 1833 establishes a task force in Oklahoma charged with examining the current practice of paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities under Section 14(c) of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The bill mandates the task force to study alternatives and report findings, with the measure becoming law in May 2025.

Why is this important

Section 14(c) allows employers to pay workers with disabilities below the federal minimum wage if they obtain a certificate from the Department of Labor. This practice affects thousands of workers nationally and raises questions about fair compensation, employment integration, and disability rights. The task force's investigation could influence Oklahoma policy on whether to maintain, restrict, or eliminate subminimum wage employment for disabled workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer concerns: Organizations employing disabled workers under 14(c) may worry about increased labor costs if subminimum wages are restricted or eliminated
  • Transition feasibility: Questions about whether sheltered workshops and employers could sustainably employ the same number of disabled workers at full minimum wage
  • Competing disability advocacy views: Some advocates push for immediate elimination of subminimum wages while others worry that overly rapid changes could reduce employment opportunities for disabled workers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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